Sheldon Church Ruins, Yemansee, South Carolina

One of the places I’d hoped to photograph when I was in South Carolina in March was the ruins of the Old Sheldon Church in Yemansee, South Carolina. Unfortunately – the directions I had for finding the ruins weren’t very good – and I never found it. When I returned to South Carolina in September – I made sure I knew where the church was – and that I scheduled plenty of time for a visit. And I’m very glad I did.

Sheldon Church, originally known as the Prince William’s Parish Church, has a long history. Originally built in the 1750s, it was burned by the British during the Revolutionary War. Rebuilt in the 1820s, it was severely damaged during the Civil War. Some reports state the church was burned in 1865 by General Sherman. Other reports state is wasn’t burnt – just severely damaged.

Surrounded by live oak trees covered with Spanish Moss, the ruins of Sheldon Church has become a very popular destination for photographers.

And after spending some time there – I can’t wait to head back in the Spring of 2016. Sheldon Church is one of the locations we’re likely to visit during my Springtime in the South Photo Tour in March 2016.