On Aug. 18, 1526, two Spanish ships entered present-day Port Royal Sound and placed “Rio de Santa Elena” and “Cabo de Santa Elena” on European charts. From that date, “Santa Elena”—the source of the English name “Saint Helena”—has stood with “La Florida” among the oldest European place names in continuous use in what is now the United States. The anniversary highlights a chapter of American history that predates the better-known stories of the Mayflower, Jamestown, the Lost Colony, and St. Augustine. Santa Elena later became the capital of Spanish La Florida and a center for exploration, settlement, and Catholic missions across a vast portion of the present-day Southeast.
The site, located near the Legends Golf Course on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Archaeological investigation at Santa Elena continues, adding to understanding of the Spanish and French colonial presence in the Lowcountry and its place in the larger history of North America.While we remember 250, let us not forget 500! Before Minutemen, Puritans, Pocahontas, Roanoke's Lost Colony, and Saint Augustine, Europeans visited Beaufort County and placed our home on world maps.
On 18 August 11AM, a new marker commemorating Beaufort's 16th Century will be unveiled at the Santa Elena site on Parris Island.
Intended Schedule of Events:
1030 (No later than) process through gate security.
1045 gather at the Santa Elena site
1100 Commence
MCRD-PI Opening Remarks
Reading of the Beaufort County Proclamation (TBD)
Unveil the updated marker (BCHS and Town of PR reps)
Dr Larry Rowland- 4 min. Historical significance of 1526 Ayllon and SE naming
Dr Chester DePratter (Archaeoligist who worked extensively on the Santa Elana site)- 4 min. Santa Elena colony archaeological significance
President of the BCHS- 2 min. remarks
Town of Port Royal-2 min. remarks
Group photo
1130 Conclude
1145 No-Host lunch at "Traditions" on PI (BCHS will treat DRs Rowland and DePratter)
SPECIAL NOTE:
For those wanting to attend without military credentials, come early and bring driver’s license, vehicle registration & proof of insurance. Infom the gate guard that you are attending a Museum event at the Santa Elena site at the Golf Course.
