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SC Picture Project

The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Downtown Summerville

SC PICTURE PROJECT Leave a Comment

SC Picture Project / Dorchester County / Downtown Summerville

Downtown Summerville is a thriving commercial area which invites residents and visitors to dine in one of its various restaurants, shop in one of its many independent stores, savor a root beer float at historic Guerin’s Pharmacy, or even buy insurance or real estate.

Downtown Summerville Alley

Ginger Parker of Summerville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

A popular art gallery and scheduled events the third Thursday of each month make the town a burgeoning arts community, drawing Summervillians from their Victorian homes and surrounding suburbs to gather on the town square for concerts, art walks, and dramatic performances.

Short Central

John Diskes of Summerville, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Pictured above is the pedestrian street known as Short Central. The street is paved with bricks from the 1920s, unearthed in 2001 during a paving project. The discovery of the bricks led to the town’s decision to block the road from vehicles and create a pedestrian path that leads people from historic neighborhoods to bustling town square. Along the way are diverse shops, year-round al fresco dining, and a tavern. Frequently artists set up booths along the brick walkway and showcase their unique wares.

Downtown Summerville Historic Main Street

Ginger Parker of Summerville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The photo below, captured in 1906, shows a downtown square, now called Hutchinson Square, laid out for commercialism and socializing. The square, as well as the rest of downtown Summerville, has become a business destination for locals and a hub of activity during town events.

Downtown Cummerville Historic

Library of Congress, 1906, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-DIG-det-4a27312

Linwood is a beautiful example of the homes in the area and is considered to be one of the most iconic estates in Summerville. This cottage was constructed in 1883 and was originally the home of Julia Drayton Hastie, and her husband, William. This two-acre site was chosen for its close proximity to the railroad so William Hastie, an insurance agent in Charleston, could easily catch the train into the city for work.

Linwood Summerville, SC

Gazie Nagle of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Julia’s father was the Reverend John Grimke Drayton who owned and developed Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on the Ashley River and opened the property to public. Grimke lived out his life here and died in 1891. Once he passed, Julia inherited Magnolia and moved to the plantation. The house has had numerous owners over the years but it presently used as a bed and breakfast by owners, Linda and Peter Shelbourne. The Shelbournes welcome guests to enjoy their beautiful home and lush gardens, offering a honest slice of the hospitality and beauty that Summerville has come to be known for.

Linwood Side, Summerville

Gazie Nagle of Charleston, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Hutchinson Square Renovation


Hutchinson Square Sign

Ginger Parker of Summerville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Hutchinson Square Fountain

Ginger Parker of Summerville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Hutchinson Square Gazebo

Ginger Parker of Summerville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Hutchinson Square Main Street

Ginger Parker of Summerville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Downtown Summerville

Where is Downtown Summerville located?
Address: Central and West Richardson Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483
GPS Coordinates: 33.019189,-80.176966
What else should I see?
Guerin's Pharmacy 0.1 mile
Summerville Town Hall 0.1 mile
James F. Dean Theatre 0.1 mile
Timrod Library 0.3 mile
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Historical Photos
  • See other South Carolina Stores
  • Summerville Historic Sites
    Downtown Summerville Map

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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