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9796 Plantersville RdGeorgetown, SC 29440About
Summary
A 19th-century Gothic Episcopal church ruin with a haunting history, surrounded by a tall fence and security cameras. Known for its mysterious architecture and local legends, including the tragic death of its lead architect during construction.
Details
Constructed between 1859-1876, this Episcopal church was named after Prince Frederick of Wales, son of King George II. The structure features steep Gothic masonry and a prominent bell tower. Its history includes the death of architect Mr. Gunn, who fell during construction, sparking local ghost stories. The site is now secured with a barbed wire fence and surveillance due to vandalism concerns, though visitors can observe details from the perimeter. The church's remote location and eerie atmosphere attract history enthusiasts and those seeking paranormal experiences.
From Faith Near Me
Prince Frederick Church in Georgetown, SC, stands as a striking 19th-century Gothic ruin with a compelling history. Visitors will notice its tall, secured fence and surveillance cameras, which protect the fragile structure while allowing exterior exploration. The site’s atmospheric blend of architectural grandeur and local legends—particularly the tragic death of architect Mr. Gunn—creates an intriguing, if guarded, experience for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.
Pros
- Historically significant 19th-century Gothic architecture with a bell tower and masonry details.
- Secure perimeter allows safe observation of the ruin’s features without trespassing.
- Rich local legends and ghost stories add narrative depth to the site’s atmosphere.
- Remote location offers a sense of seclusion and historical immersion.
- Clear historical context about the church’s construction and naming provides educational value.
Cons
- Barbed wire fence and restricted access limit hands-on exploration of the property.
- Minimal parking availability may require careful planning for visits.
- Surveillance and security measures could feel imposing to visitors.
- Remote setting may lack amenities or clear guidance for first-time guests.
- Unclear information about active congregation or current faith tradition.
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Jeff Bryan5 months ago
Ive lived around here for 30 years or so. I remember myself amd group of friends as teenagers visiting this place at night to get a spooky scare experience. We were told a story back then, that a man that was working on this fell and died from the bell tower. So it added a spook to it. Never been there since there has been a fence. We used to be able to walk the whole property. There was a road across the street, old dirt road. What's cool about that, back then we would see glowing eyes crossing it. So even more gave a spooky feeling. But as we grew up we learned it was just deer crossing lol. Anyway is a very cool place to visit. Especially at night.
- Gretchen3 years ago
Beautiful drive to and from. Parking is minimal and the site is surrounded by a tall fence with barbed wire. Multiple cameras to stop vandals and trespassers that are definitely monitored. I recommend bringing binoculars so you can look at the headstones and details high up on the tower. Take your time and enjoy the history. And yes, you may experience something out of the ordinary ;) *There were a lot of log trucks passing by the day I was there. Be mindful of where you are parking and standing.
- Nikki Myers6 years ago
Beautiful place. Took some pictures. My boyfriend got some drone footage. A bit of an Erie feel.. A little creepy. One of the car doors shut by itself and we left with a feeling of heaviness and a slight headache.
- little440cudaa year ago
Wow such a neat ruin. Sadly the owner has it locked down, cameras & threatening signs. Would be great if you could actually go inside the fence. Oh well
- Christopher Canada7 years ago
If you're an explorer looking for a cool adventure, or perhaps a South Carolina ghost mystery, the Prince Frederick Episcopal Church is worth your time. The structure contains beautiful 19th century gothic masonry and is a structure to marvel over. The church was named after Prince Frederick of Wales, the son of King George II. After nearly 17 years of construction, the church was completed in 1876. After the economy declined, settlers moved on. The ghost legend lies with the head architect, Mr. Gunn fell to his death while working on the steep rooftop. Local folklore claims that many have heard screams, seen lights moving about on the steeple, and even church bells ringing. This is also the site of Alice Flagg's grave, which carries more local legends about ghosts and this site. If this stuff is your cup of tea, I recommend checking it out. Please note that this site was declared a National Historic site in 1976 and has since had a chain link fence placed around it.
- Lesley Tyre3 years ago
I wish people wouldn’t vandalize stuff so there wouldn’t be a need for a barbed wire fence around this site. It was very cool, though
- Cassie Tucker2 years ago
Beautiful church ruins that have to be fenced and monitored due to vandalism. We happened to be there when the owner stopped by, he was very nice and told us some history of the church and area. I looked into the history of the church more and it's really interesting.
- Alija Barr4 years ago
i went here at 12:00 with a big group of friends and some family while on vacation. i am an impact so when we were 1 mile away i couldn’t stop crying we got there and i was crying so much i fell on the ground. we all saw the same people! if you want a haunting scary experience this is a great place but it’s really scary and emotional.(only go if you believe)
- proze600cca year ago
Very cool to stumble across exploring on a motorcycle ride. Love historical places, even though there's no real significance
- The Pantherbrotherz5 years ago
Me and my family went here and brought our dog with the fence being closed and our dog being so small our dog crossed passed the fence like he was being called there but he did not won’t to come out. So if you are into spooky sc things stop here. Also great history
Services and facilities
Facilities
- Bell Tower
- Surveillance Cameras
- Barbed Wire Fence
- Historic Gothic Masonry
- Ruined Structure