Ashley River Region

Ashley River Region. The Cradle of Civilization. , You are standing in a continuum of history, in the center of the Ashley River Region, “the cradle of civilization” of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Encompassing 13 miles along both sides of the Ashley River and a 15-mile portion of the Ashley River Road, the region connects us to the heritage we share with Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans who have lived here for three centuries or more. In recent years, newcomers from around the world have been drawn to this place and now call it home., The Ashley River Road is one of the oldest in South Carolina. Following a ridge between the Ashley River and the headwaters of Rantowles Creek, it began as a Native American trading path and later served the colonists who had arrived at Charlestowne Landing. During the colonial and pre-Civil War eras, plantations lined the route with main houses fronting the river and fields on both sides of the road. After the Civil War, freed African-Americans established the churches you now see, which were grounded in their culture and tradition of faith., Though relatively short the Ashley River served as a major transportation route, connecting residents with the port of Charleston and the world beyond. It also provided inhabitants with fish, crabs and shrimp, the cooking of which evolved into the traditional dishes we enjoy today., Today, unmanaged growth, traffic, liter and pollution threaten this region. Your help is needed in joining with others to protect these resources if their remarkable legacy is to endure., As you can see the route of the modern Ashley River and closely follows the historic route shown on the map for centuries perhaps surviving to preserve the duty of this road. In 1921 a law was passed to protect the shade trees that lined both sides of the road. In 1983, road was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was designated a State Scenic Byway in 1998 and National Scenic Byway in 2000. In the last two decades, the city of Charleston and the counties of Charleston and Dorchester have passed laws that have limited developments and established buffers along the road to preserve its structure., (captions) , Today the Ashley River Road looks much the same as in this photo circa 1930, due to the preservation and conservation efforts of local activists and municipalities., As you can see the route of the modern Ashley River Road closely follows the historic route shown on this 1771 map. For centuries... In 1983, the road was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a State Scenic Byway in 1998 and National Scenic Byway in 2000..., Aerial of the Ashley River marsh , From its beginning in the swamps west of Lake Moultrie and passing north of Summerville, the Ashley River flows 60 miles before Charleston harbor. It encompasses three ecosystems: blackwater stream, freshwater tidal river, and saltwater tidal river. As a result of its beauty and historical significance, the river was named a State Scenic Place in 1999., (sidebar) , Visit our Heritage Corridor landscapes from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Charleston Lowcountry - and discover South Carolina’s history, people and places. Begin your journey of Discovery by visiting our website at (www.sc-heritage-corridor.com)