Published: July 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Renata Parker
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Of all South Carolina’s historic sites and landmarks, the state’s birthplace is one which continues to make its mark in history. A project seven years in the making, Charles Towne Landing recently unveiled the final piece of an impressive tourism complex that celebrates the first permanent European settlement in the Carolinas while preserving the spectacular beauty of South Carolina’s natural resources.

Located three miles north of Charleston, this historic site marks the landing of three ships that arrived on the west bank of the Ashley River from Barbados in the spring of 1670. The English settlers established a thriving port destination and implemented a plantation-based economic system. These settlers, or founders, were the inspiration for the design of the final structure of Charles Towne Landing, which is appropriately named Founders Hall.

Charles Towne Landing first opened as a historic site in 1970 with only a modest building to tell the settlers’ story. During the 40 years since, the site survived destructive hurricanes and budget cuts, but time had taken its toll and the location was in jeopardy.

"The site was in complete disrepair," said Chad Prosser, director of parks, recreation and tourism for South Carolina, who led the renovation project. "It was time to remove all of the old structures and take a fresh new approach to refurbishing the entire site.

"We felt strongly that the design of the new buildings had to endure — sustainability was the utmost priority."

Initial drawings began by envisioning what the first settlers saw when they arrived on shore. “The design takes advantage of the natural surroundings and gives you a sense of place upon approach. The position minimizes the mass of the building and almost creates a ‘non-building,’” said Prosser.

Charles Towne Landing is unlike the majority of the state’s visitor attractions. Prosser said that Edisto State Park’s Interpretive Center is the only other historic site in the state that takes an environmental approach to design.

A community gathering site, Founders Hall is created on an axis that is symmetrical with the Visitors Center and doesn't compete with the historic value of the property. Taking full advantage of the natural landscape minimizes runoff and the need for irrigation outside, while energy saving features include shutters that shift with the movement of the sun. Inside, prepare to be wowed as the commitment to sustainability also makes a statement in good taste with the use of such eco-friendly features as bamboo flooring, behemoth ceiling fans and water-saving toilets.

Although visitors may never be aware of the significant value of this center beyond the historic attractions, Charles Towne Landing is an impressive example of environmental leadership and sets a standard for future public buildings.

History buffs and preservationists can immerse themselves in the past along the park’s History Trail. This mile-and-a-half journey begins at the Visitors Center, next to the Native American Ceremonial Center, and takes visitors along the original fortification wall, which has been reconstructed. The interpretive trail includes 22 marked stops around the 664-acre park where visitors can experience archaeological excavations, a full-size working cannon reproduction and a crop garden. The park also features a full-size replica of the type of ship that first arrived in 1670.

Follow the trail to the Legare Waring House, a beautifully restored plantation and former home of Ferdinanda Legare Waring. Flanked by serene lagoons, this elegant antebellum home was built in the 1840s and was part of the Old Town Plantation. During the Civil War, the plantation's great house was burned to the ground and the remaining cottage became the primary house. It has survived a long history of owners and renovations before becoming a permanent fixture at Charles Towne Landing and is now used to host officials and dignitaries and special events.

At the Visitors Center, you can learn more about the history of Charles Towne Landing and the archeological discoveries through a self-guided tour. In addition, the center hosts regular demonstrations and lectures, including live cannon and musket firings and handcrafting skills, to name a few.

Prosser said the “Digital Dig” exhibit is one of his children’s favorites. The Digital Dig was designed as a high-tech way to get children involved in history. On a fully-digital board, children can use their hands to uncover and actually “dig” their way through history.

Children will also enjoy the park's Animal Forest, a natural zoo which is home to bears, otters and bison.

"The way we integrated a large, functional, public facility in its natural environment which is also pleasing to the eye is an enormous achievement," said Prosser. “It balances environmental sustainability and historical preservation."

Charles Towne Landing also demonstrates the great respect we have for the vibrant beauty of coastal nature and the explorers who founded South Carolina.