Statewide Survey of Historic Properties

A historic resources survey is the process of systematically identifying historic properties within the boundaries of a specific geographical area, documenting their location and physical characteristics, and evaluating their significance within an appropriate historical context.

The records of the South Carolina Statewide Survey of Historic Properties include information on over 60,000 historic buildings, structures, sites, objects, and landscapes. The survey is a continually evolving record of South Carolina’s architectural and historic resources. New survey projects are undertaken each year as part of the State Historic Preservation Office’s ongoing efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect properties significant in South Carolina history.  

Uses of Survey Information
Information produced through historic resource survey projects serves many purposes. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) uses survey information to identify properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. City, county, and regional planners use survey information to develop preservation management plans and in preparing comprehensive community plans. Economic development programs rely on survey information to attract investors to communities and to promote heritage tourism. Survey information provides educators, civic organizations, and interested citizens with a basis for learning about the history of their community and making decisions about the care of their historic properties.

In some cases, survey documentation is virtually the only record of buildings and structures that have been destroyed since they were surveyed. As such, it provides an important glimpse into the material culture of past generations.

Most records of the South Carolina Statewide Survey of Historic Properties are available for public use. For information about the use of these records see: Cultural Resource Information at the SHPO . 

The location of sensitive or endangered sites, however, may be restricted. 
 

NOTE: The records of the statewide archaeological survey are maintained by the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology.  In 1968, the state legislature charged the Institute with creating and maintaining the Statewide Archaeological Site Inventory.  Today the inventory includes data on more than 20,000 sites.  Information about using the archaeological site files is available on the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology website at http://www.cas.sc.edu/sciaa/staff/gillamh/imd.html.