Historic Port Royal Foundation: It's in South Carolina, Not Virginia

The Historic Port Royal Foundation is located in Port Royal, South Carolina — not Virginia.

Correct Address

608 5th Avenue
Port Royal, SC 29935
United States

What It Is

A nonprofit preserving Port Royal's history — one of America's earliest European settlements (French 1562, Spanish 1566, Scottish 1682, English 1710). The town was a Union naval base in the Civil War; the famous Port Royal Experiment (1861-62) tested freedmen's self-governance on nearby Sea Islands.

Why the Confusion?

• Port Royal, Virginia exists (Caroline County, Rappahannock River) — historic colonial port, different entity
• Port Royal, Jamaica — infamous pirate haven
• Port Royal, Nova Scotia — Acadian capital
• "Port Royal" = common colonial name (royal harbor)

Visiting SC's Port Royal

• Historic District: Paris Avenue commercial row, tabby ruins
• Naval Heritage Park: Overlooks harbor
• Cypress Wetlands: Boardwalk, rookery
• Nearby: Beaufort (10 min), Hilton Head (30 min), Parris Island (Marine Corps)

The Foundation operates from the historic district. Call ahead for hours: (843) 986-2200.