On november 10, 2003, the national park designation was conferred on congaree, making it the 57th national park in the country. Friends of congaree swamp advocates for congaree national. The park contains some of the tallest trees in eastern. From canoeing through the untouched waters of congaree national park to eating at some of the palmetto states most delicious restaurants, including pawleys front porch, south carolina offers a memorable experience for the entire family. Such an image certainly might have kept some visitors away from congaree swamp national. This book is not an investigation as to how congaree became a national park, however. The bookstore carries books on the history and nature of the park and surrounding area, small gifts and snack items, as well as other essentials such as sunscreen and insect repellent for your visit. Advocates for congaree national park and its unique environment.
Today only,000 acres of floodplain exist in south carolina, where once there were 1,110,000 acres. This is a beautiful park that is about 20 miles south of columbia, south carolina and about 120 miles northwest of charleston, south carolina. Just a halfhour outside of the states capital, congaree national park is the only national park in south carolina. Prehistoric peoples hunted the floodplain of the congaree river and fished. Inclusion in the national park service system as a national monument was just one of many designations that the park has received. The congaree national park track trail is a flat 2.
He graduated from clemson university, twice, and currently serves on the board of directors of the friends of congaree swamp. Aug 28, 2017 this book discusses the early history of the area that later became the congaree national park, shows efforts to protect it from logging by a citizens grassroots campaign, traces the parks early beginnings and development, and illustrates some of the parks notable flora and fauna. From canoeing under the towering hardwoods to exploring the untouched wilderness, congaree national park is breathtaking. Within congaree national park, over half of the land is designated as wilderness. Being a home for native americans, a place of mystery for europeans, and a refuge for escaped slaves, congaree swampnow a national parkis a unique part of columbias history. Congaree national park history the early past recent events mans disturbances prehistoric peoples hunted the fl oodplain of the congaree river and fi shed its waters.
Congaree swamp, the focus of the national park, is the largest area of virgin southern bottomland hardwoods remaining in the united states. Being a home for native americans, a place of mystery for europeans, and a refuge for escaped slaves, congaree swampnow a national parkis a unique part. Flooding occurs about 10 times a year but lasts only from several days to a month at a time, and for most of the year the area is dry. It also provides maps, descriptions of the park, and popular recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Congaree national park is famous for its trees, and not just any trees. The park received its official designation in 2003 as the culmination of a grassroots campaign that began in 1969.
Images of congaree national park 2005, book, other for sale. While the ecological significance of congaree national park np has been well documented, it is also important to identify and study a broader range of social, cultural and economic values and benefits provided by the park in addition to those associated with biodiversity conservation. The harry hampton visitor center is open 7 days a week, 9. The lush trees growing in its floodplain forest are some of the tallest in the eastern united states, forming one of the highest temperate deciduous forest canopies remaining in the world. Top 10 hotels closest to congaree national park in columbia. Canoeing and fishing are also popular in this park. Canoeing, hiking, fishing, camping are just some of your many options. The area is replete with sweet gums, along with swamp chestnut oaks, hickories and sycamores. On the congaree river, this park is the largest portion of oldgrowth floodplain forest left in north america. During the revolutionary war, francis marion, better known in todays history books as the swamp fox, eluded british troops in the congaree.
Modern visitors to the park enjoy a pristine landscape that seems ancient and untouched by human hands, but in truth its history is far different. Images of congaree national park 2005, book, other for. Following guidance from the white house, centers for disease control and prevention, and state and local public health authorities, we are. Congaree national park is home to one of the few oldgrowth floodplain forests east of the mississippi river. This is the best place in north america to see synchronous. Congaree national park is the largest old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the entire united states, and the beauty of the space is limitless. Sunday, october 27, 2019 friends of congaree swamp will hold its annual oyster roast and business meeting on sunday, october 27, 2019, at congaree national park.
This photoessay book by taylor karlin shares the historical, cultural, and natural history of the congaree national park, located near columbia, south carolina. Two years later, it was designated a national park. Some of the trees are the tallest in the eastern us, and the boardwalk loop is an elevated walkway through the swamp. Authorized in 1976 as congaree swamp national monument, it was designated a national park and renamed in 2003. The park bookstore at congaree national park is operated by eastern national, a nonprofit organization that supports the national park service. The park is home to prehistoric vegetation and some of the worlds highest canopies. Identifying values and benefits of congaree national park. The congaree and wateree rivers can flood ten times per year, replenishing soil nutrients that sustain the forest habitat. Virtual passport cancellations americas national parks.
Working alongside colleagues at the university of south carolina and congaree national park, weve chronicled the multiple stories of congaree and related them to the history of columbia for a historic resource survey. As spring approaches, this park becomes the perfect destination for adventurers of all ages looking to escape for an afternoon, night, or weekend to a southern paradise. Some of the tallest trees on the east coast are located inside congaree, which was named after the native american tribe that used to reside there. The park has one of the tallest hardwood forests anywhere in the temperate world and features numerous trees of recordsetting proportions, a distinction that has earned it the name forest of champions. Kinzer examines a claim made by many park advocatesnamely, that the beidler tract and the surrounding floodplain forest is truly pristine and whether it really resembles the forest of centuries past p. Try searching on jstor for other items related to this book.
Congaree national park is a lush backcountry inhabited by bobcats, deer, and playful river otters. King, whose book, thinking about cultural resource management. Congaree national park national park, south carolina. The event will help celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the first organized hikes into the parka sierra club outing on september 25, 1969. The park is named after the congaree people, an american indian tribe, who lived in the area of central south carolina before it was inhabited by settlers. Though a veritable youngster in the national park realm, congaree national park is a vegetative museum, harboring some of the eastern united states tallest trees in whats said to be the largest oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Didnt stay too long it was a hot afternoon and we were driving from. Several homes in the sandy run subdivision along the river become flooded. This park has the largest portion of oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest in the entire united states. Rangers and volunteers conduct interpretive walks and talks throughout the year. Congaree national park, natural area in central south carolina, u. Congaree national park history national park service.
Stop if you cwn walked the boardwalk unique scenery and history. Congress then redesignated the monument to congaree national park on november 10th, 2003. But theres so much more to see in the place they call the redwoods of the east. Congaree national park the greatest american road trip. The park consists of an alluvial floodplain on the meandering congaree river. Hotels near the congaree national park are located in the bustling south carolina capital, columbia. The history of congaree national park howstuffworks.
The congaree indians claimed the floodplain until european explorers. Congaree indians subsisted on the vegetation and abundant game. Congaree national park has existed since only 2003, but the beauty and importance of the wilderness there were recognized long before then. The park offers hiking and canoe trails, primitive camping, and excellent. For two to three weeks between midmay and midjune, the park becomes a breeding ground for. Congaree national park offers hiking, primitive camping, bird watching, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, and nature study. Natural national landmark august 25, 1974 international biosphere. Known for its giant hardwoods and towering pines, congarees floodplain forest includes one of the highest canopies in the world. National weather service advanced hydrologic prediction. Congaree national park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a place for you to walk and relax in a tranquil wilderness setting. American indians used the wood from the cypress trees to make canoes and structures, so much so, that there is very little of this tree left in north america. However, slaves in congaree, like enslaved africans across the western hemisphere, struggled to hold on to their culture and history from africa. With no entrance fee, there is really no excuse not to go explore this swath of land for all it is worth.
Congaree national park has ancient woodlands you need to. Below is a video telling a little bit about congaree national park history. At 19 feet the river covers most of the elevated boardwalk in the congaree national park. Welcome to congaree national parks official facebook page. The congaree national park has also been designated a. First established as a monument in 1976, congaree became a national park in 2003 and now extends across 27,000 acres, many of them trailless wilderness. Jun 15, 2017 located at the confluence of the congaree and wateree rivers in central south carolina, congaree national park protects the nations largest intact expanse of oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest.
The park contains the largest remaining expanse of continuous oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Congaree national park visitor center, boardwalks, and trails fantastic opportunity to view a rare section of undisturbed bottomland hardwood forest along the floodplain of the congaree river. Congaree national park hopkins 2020 all you need to. By robert greene ii the history of columbia, and of south carolina more generally, would look markedly different if it were not for the existence of the congaree swamp.
The park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a tranquil wilderness setting for walking and relaxing in. Columbia, and the certificate program in historical archaeology and cultural. Free educational programs offered at congaree national park. Camping near congaree national park is easy with hipcamp, where private landowners offer oneofakind camping experiences. Save on popular hotels near congaree national park, columbia. In 2001, congaree was recognized as a globally important bird area. For example, congaree national park includes the cattle mounts, installed by enslaved africans, used to herd cattle during moments of severe flooding.
Cely, a native of columbia, south carolina, is a retired wildlife biologist and stillactive naturalist who has been exploring the congaree national park for more than 40 years. The founding of congaree national park, south carolina. The park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the united states. Now as of december 31st, 2011 approximately 26,021 acres of the park are in federal ownership. Congaree national park hopkins 2020 all you need to know. An environmental history of congaree national park.
Indeed its history of human use and conservation make it a valuable laboratory for the study not only of flora and fauna but also of anthropology and modern history. Congaree national park wilderness travel smithsonian. Some national parks hold large animals and widespanning views that become crowded with visitors. The park provides ample habitat for fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, insects, and other. Browse expedias selection of 300 hotels and places to stay closest to congaree national park. Congaree national park has ancient woodlands you need to discover.
In addition to learning more about the natural and cultural history of the congaree, visitors will see large bald cypress, loblolly pine and a variety of wildlife while on the tour. Apr 03, 2018 think of congaree national park in hopkins, south carolina, as the place where snappy singles sync. This book discusses the early history of the area that later became the congaree national park, shows efforts to protect it from logging by a citizens grassroots campaign, traces the parks early beginnings and development, and illustrates some of. This book discusses the early history of the area that later became the congaree national park, shows efforts to protect it from logging by a. Once upon a time, the bottomland forests of congaree national park flourished from the chesapeake bay to east texas. Congaree national park is a 26,276acre american national park in central south carolina. View road national park road park entrance bluff trail weston lake trail boardwalk sims trail after hours parking river t r a i l a o a kri d g e tr i l k i n s n a k e t a i l calhoun c o u n t r c. Though one of the smallest national parks in acreage, congaree carries a lot of human, and natural, history with it.
Until 2003, when congaree became the first and only national park in south carolina, it was known as the congaree swamp national monument. Like the unique ecosystem it protects an ancient alluvial floodplain so deep and dense that it provided safe shelter for slaves from nearby plantations as they made their first steps toward freedom the park stands with regal stoicism as it. Congaree natio al park 15 25 20 15 10 5 0 hopkins congaree eastover wateree fort motte to orangeburg and to and camden to and columbia f road mt. Tent campers can also get a permit for backcountry camping, where you can choose a campsite of your liking nearly anywhere in the park if youll be camping in an rv, there are a few nearby state parks that have hookups for campers and trailers. National park service programs help curious families discover all this hidden gem has to offer. The old growth forest is about some of the ancient woodlands that are significant in age and that have never been disturbed. Top 10 hotels closest to congaree national park in. Wild and primeval, congaree national park is home to the largest oldgrowth floodplain forest in north america, with large, majestic bald cypress, water tupelo, cedar and loblolly pine trees. The wild congaree national parks conservation association. Find cheap deals and discount rates among them that best fit your budget. Congaree national park has two campgrounds, although both are meant for tent camping only. The 26,000 acre national park protects the largest intact tract of oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the united states.
An environmental history of congaree national park non. While the ecological significance of congaree national park has been well documented, it is also important to identify and study a broader range of social, cultural and economic values and benefits provided by the park in addition to those associated with biodiversity conservation. North americas largest oldgrowth bottomland hardwood forest, the biodiverse congaree national park, spreads out across nearly 26,000 acres. The enabling legislation that established congaree national park on october 18, 1976 public law 94545 specifically states the purpose of the park is to preserve and protect for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment of present and future generations an outstanding example of a nearvirgin, southern hardwood forest situated in the.
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