Charlesfort - Santa Elena historic site, sc

On Parris Island, South Carolina, the Charlesfort-Santa Elena Site is an important early colonial archaeological site. It houses the archaeological ruins of Charlesfort, a French settlement founded in 1562 and abandoned the following year, as well as Santa Elena, a later 16th-century Spanish settlement.

What was the reason behind Charlesfort's demise?

However, Ribault was unable to replenish Charlesfort due to the civil war in France. Mutiny, conflict with the local Indians, and food shortages threatened the fort's survival during the next fourteen months, therefore the decision was made to depart the area.

What is the current situation at Charlesfort?

The National Historic Landmark Charlesfort-Santa Elena is located on Parris Island near Port Royal, SC, within the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

What happened to the Santa Elena settlement?

It was inhabited until 1570, when it was burned down. The Spanish later constructed a second fort, also named as Fort San Felipe, at an unknown location nearby. Due to the enmity of the neighboring Native Americans, the fort and settlement were abandoned in 1576.