Seven flags have flown over what is now the Town of Port Royal, since Columbus discovered America in 1492. The first landing at Port Royal was by the Spanish in 1520. Port Royal got its name from when Capt. Jean Ribaut led a group of French Huguenots in 1562. On what is now Parris Island, the French expedition built a fort named Charles Forte in honor of King Charles IX.

Philip II sent a Spanish squadron to destroy the French colony of Port Royal. The first English flag raised over St. Helena Sound was by Capt. William Hilton who sailed from Barbados. Hilton Head Island was named in his honor.

The Yemassee War involved the Yemassees, Creeks and Choctaws. Only a few colonists were killed, but the loss of property was horrific. The town of Beaufort was almost totally destroyed. What little remains of Fort Frederick may be seen near the U.S. Naval Hospital in Port Royal.

Capt. Barnwell revolted the British attack on Port Royal. Fort Lyttleton was built on the site of the old Scotch settlement of Stuart Town and was commanded by William Harden. Harden organized a voluntary artillery known as the "old B.V.A.", which is now the 1055th Transportation Company. This unit has seen service in every war the U.S. has known and is the 5th oldest military company in America.

During the Civil War the Town of Port Royal was spared from destruction due to the occupation of the Union troops. The only evidence of war was the wounded who were collected and treated in the City of Beaufort. When General Sherman came through some three years later burning and pillaging, he spared the little historic town.

Many beautiful homes were built in the quaint town of Port Royal.  Some are still in existence. Two churches were built, both of which still stand; Port Royal Union Church on 11th Street and the Zion Baptist Church on 15th Street. Mercantile buildings were also constructed.

Thousands of lives were lost in the great hurricane and tidal wave on August 27th, 1893. Streets and railroad tracks were washed out. A yellow fever epidemic followed, causing more loss of life. An economic downfall soon followed.

In 1922, shrimping began on a larger scale. In the 1930s the Blue Channel Corp, a seafood packing firm, moved into town. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot on nearby Parris Island, expanded in the 1940s, provided more employment in the area.

The State Ports Authority declared Port Royal an active port. The town experience changes due to the annexation, and the new construction of buildings and homes. Port Royal is rich in history and in art.

Historic Sites

Parris Island Museum
Marine Corps Recruiting Depot
Open daily: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Open Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Housed in the War Memorial Building, this museum is devoted to the portrayal of the history and development of Parris Island and the Port Royal area along with the Marine Corps and recruit training facilities.
(843)525-2951