Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

Brick Baptist Church, located on the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District, was home to the Penn School between 1862-1865
The Reconstruction era,1861-1900 the historic period in which the United States grappled with the question of how to integrate millions of newly freed African Americans into social, political, economic, and labor systems, was a time of significant transformation. The people, places, and events in Beaufort County, South Carolina, reflect on the most important issues of this tumultuous time period.
Map showing location of park.
A brick church with a statue of a man in front.
Reconstruction Era National Historic Network Welcomes Three New Sites
In July 2026, the National Park Service announces the addition of three new sites to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network.
A two story brick building flanked by large live oak trees
Photo by NPS Photo
A one story brick building with large arched windows
Photo by NPS Photo
A park ranger holds a sign while talking to young people.
Photo by Hannah Hicks
A Park Ranger points at the ruins of a tabby wall with three people looking on
Photo by NPS Photo/Daryl Averill Jr.
A large white wooden building with red trim and a porch.
Photo by NPS Photo
A large crowd of people gather in a field. In the foreground is an NPS sign
Photo by NPS Photo