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Historic Port Royal
Foundation
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| Historic Homes of Port Royal
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Short History of Port Royal Since its founding in 1562, Port Royal has seen seven flags fly over its fields and roads - French, Spanish, English, Scottish, Confederate, USA, and South Carolina. Port Royal was incorporated on March 9, 1874. During this time the town lived up to its colorful past by becoming a boomtown due to its busy port and railroad activity. The town has the only natural deep water harbor on the East Coast. The railroad terminus contained many tracks and warehouses. Port Royal also owned the world's largest cotton compressor. Phosphate and lumber were major trade items. There were graceful homes, mercantile establishments and a magnificent hotel. And then hard times came -- a devastating hurricane and an ensuing yellow fever epidemic. There were very heavy taxes on the phosphate. Railway transportation was being replaced by trucks. The move of the Navy Yard to Charleston brought Port Royal to its knees. However today, Port Royal is experiencing a renaissance. There are news businesses, new homes and a new interest in the revitalization of the historic and beautiful area. A Master Comprehensive Plan has been adopted setting forth suggestions for maintaining the character of the town while coping with progress, development and expansion. This is a time of great importance as Port Royal works to keep the charming ways of a small community while still allowing for a bright new future.
Short History of the Union Church According to an article written in 1882 in the Palmetto Post, the Union Church building was constructed in 1878 on a lot of land donated for that purpose by Mr. D.F. Appleton. Since its founding in 1562, The cost of the building was $1000.00. Established as a free church it has been used by Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists - alternating Sundays in their use. The church is open to the public for weddings, receptions, plays, conferences and fundraising events. It is also used as the office for the Historic Port Royal Foundation.
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