‘In 1706 the Anglican Church was established in (South) Carolina through the passing of the Church Act. This act effectively created and funded ten parishes throughout the area, including the Parish of St. Bartholomew’s in which Pon Pon Chapel of Ease is located.’ The Library Of Congress.
The first chapel on this spot serviced Native Americans, the Yamassee tribe. A war between the Yamassee and British settlers damaged the first chapel. A new chapel was built, finally a brick building. Around 1822 the chapel was abandoned.
Below is where you can find the ruins on a dirt utility road in Jacksonboro, South Carolina.
There are multiple Chapel of Ease existing and we try to visit each when in the area. Most are ruins. Strawberry Chapel being the exception since it is still owned by the original family dating back to the late 1600’s.
The ruins are maintained by the Colleton County Historical Society.
The name Pon Pon is Yamassee for ‘bend in the river’.
I think the Yamassee no longer exist. At some point after several battles and a war with British and Spanish settlers they migrated south and joined the Seminole tribe in southern Florida.
Jacksonboro, South Carolina.
Fantastic locations to walk through and photograph. Wonderful post!
There are many places like this here. I had always thought New England had all the historical sites. Here they are everywhere, and you can be up close enough to appreciate them.
In the morning we are going out to shoot sunrise in the ACE Basin. I will pass right by Pon Pon, walk through old plantations, and be at a river crossing where Harriet Tubman lead federal forces to free enslaved people and bring them to Savannah. All before 11:00AM. 👍
Perfect Saturday, I’d say!