Our History

Our History: The Making of Mount Pleasant

The Town of Mount Pleasant was first settled in 1680 by English colonists on land originally inhabited by the Sewee people. The town was originally made up of Greenwich Village, Lucasville, Hilliardsville, and the original village of Mount Pleasant. Incorporated in 1837, Mount Pleasant blossomed as a small coastal community. The town grew over the 18th and 19th centuries as a quiet village centered around shipbuilding, agriculture, local commerce, and maritime trade. In the early 20th century, Mount Pleasant’s waterfront became the heart of a thriving shrimping industry. In 1973, the heart of the Old Village area was recognized as the Mount Pleasant Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, celebrating its rich architectural and cultural significance. Throughout the 20th century, especially after the construction of the Cooper River bridges, Mount Pleasant evolved from a quiet village into one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing towns.

A Brief History of Mount Pleasant

Learn more about our history by visiting and reading our historical markers around town.

The Town of Mount Pleasant Historical Commission designated this space to collect and celebrate our exceptional story. Please contact the Historical Commission to ask questions, share local recollections, and contribute project ideas. If you have historical documents, images, or accounts that you would like to donate to the Mount Pleasant Collection, please read and fill out the donation agreement form.

History Room Inventory Available Online

To visit the History Room, please get in touch with Kara Browder to schedule an appointment at planning@tompsc.com.

Quick Fact Fridays

The Historical Commission sends out historical facts every Friday. You can sign up to receive historical Quick Fact Friday emails. You can also sign up for Notify Me to receive all news and notifications about the Historical Commission, agendas, minutes, and Mount Pleasant.

Engage!

Watch our videos on the Historical Commission's History Channel.

Check out and follow us on Instagram @mtpleasanthistory

Download and visit the Mount Pleasant Historical website and app by clicking on the logo below to learn about the historical sites around our Town, and to learn more about the Passport Program.  The Passport can be downloaded by clicking on the image below.