Wednesday, (April) 26 th, (1780):   At two o'clock in the morning got in motion, and marched seventeen miles to Mount Pleasant, opposite Charleston, where we took possession of the ground, on which the Rebels had one eighteen pounder. Here is a ferry from this to a town called Hibban's Ferry; there are very good barracks here if finished, that were begun before the rebellion. Sullivan's Island is about a half a mile distant from the Point. There is a bridge from the Point to the Island with four arches. The barracks were used for a hospital, in which we took some invalids and a doctor. About six miles from the Point stands Christ Church. This night I might properly sing, "Content with our hard fate, my boys," on the cold ground where I lay - wrapt up in my great coat, with my saddle for a pillow. A blustering cold night.  Excerpt from the diary of Lt. Anthony Allaire, Loyal American Regiment, 1780.

Just across the bridge from Charleston lies the town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  Mount Pleasant is a town rich in the history of the past while living graciously in the present.  Its colorful history includes a leading role in the  military engagements of the Revolutionary War. When Charleston finally fell to the British on November 12, 1775, Cornwallis crossed the Cooper River with 2,500 troops and took possession of Haddrell’s Point. The British headquarters is said to have been the home of Jacob Motte, later known as Hibben House. 

Located close to the Atlantic Ocean, Mount Pleasant affords its visitors a very comfortable climate for a visit at any time of year.   This gracious southern town is always ready to offer hospitality and to welcome visitors.  Due to it’s proximity to Charleston, it follows the same seasonal patterns.  With the Atlantic Ocean nearby, a breeze is felt year long.  Each season brings a special feel to this beautiful and peaceful town.  Summer do get warm with the daytime temperature often approaching 90 F but with the evenings dropping into the mid 70’s F, it’s an ideal time for a leisurely stroll during the day or in the evening.  The fall stays relatively warm with temperatures still in the 80’s F.  Winter is a season of change with temperatures still in the comfortable mid 50’s during the day and the 30’s at night making it just right for sitting by a warm fire with a comforting drink in hand.  Visitors may be treated to a dusting of snow during this time, but it will melt very quickly.  Spring brings a rise in temperature and more sunshine.  Whatever the season, Mount Pleasant welcomes visitors with a warm smile and a gentle sea breeze.

During any season there are a unique variety of attractions and sites to experience.  Boone Hall Plantation, originally a cotton plantation, and now producing fruit and vegetables, is one of America's oldest working plantations.  It boasts one of the most majestic avenues of moss draped live oaks in the south.  It’s a picture waiting to be taken.  A tour of the plantation house, former slave quarters, and 738 acre grounds is a memorable experience. 

If a visitor is lucky enough to visit Mount Pleasant in late April, there is the Blessing of the Fleet.  Overlooking beautiful Charleston Harbor, this seafood festival celebrates the historic Mount Pleasant shrimping industry with the majesty of the ceremonial Blessing of the Fleet and a host of other family activities.  For another family activity,  plan a day at Palmetto Island County Park.  It is a 943 acre park with a variety of recreational opportunities available including Splash Island Water Park, crabbing and fishing from floating docks along tidal creeks and lagoons, biking, lagoon boating and picnicking. 

Of course no visit to Mount Pleasant is complete without a trip to watch the Sweet Grass Basket Weavers at work on US Highway 17 North.  Sweet grass basket making has been a part of the Mount Pleasant community for more than 300 years.  In fact, Mount Pleasant enjoys the distinction of being the only place where this particular type of basketry is practiced. 

Whether the interest is history, nostalgia for hometown America of years past, warm breezes, family water adventures, golf, or just wandering the streets of Old Town: a visit to charming Mount Pleasant is an experience not to be missed on any trip to the area.