History at Your Feet in Cayce, SC
In today’s world, people are reluctant to step away from their screens and for some reason, we are content with that. Today, we ask you to look away from your screens and look at the history right in front of you. Explore the land where Columbia was conceived. Explore the 12,000 Year History Park – where history lies at your feet.
About the park
The 12,000 Year History Park is a unique archeological site in Cayce, South Carolina, where history and nature converge. Over the last 120 centuries, the area has had an array of inhabitants, including mammoths, Native American tribes, and Civil War soldiers. The park includes earthworks from an 1865 Civil War battle and is full of stories that offer something for explorers of all ages.
Researchers have discovered artifacts that were made or used 11,000 to 12,000 years ago. The makers of these artifacts utilized evolving technologies that eventually included making clay pots and chipped stone spears. Arrowheads and shattered pots made when the last ice age was ending have also been discovered at the park.
Guided historical walking tours of the 12,000 Year History Park are offered on Saturdays in the spring and fall. Volunteer guides, trained by the National Park Service, will take you on a walk along the beautiful trail filled with stories of the Battle of Congaree Creek, Fort Congaree, and Native American Lifeways. There are also special events throughout the year including Nature Days, Civil War Encampments, and Lantern Tours.
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