Saint Helena Island, SC

Saint Helena Island, SC

Dozens of sea gulls flock around a returning fishing boat in Saint Helena Island, SC on Friday, September 16, 2016. Copyright 2016 Jason Barnette

The Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

The Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

View through the absent roof at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

View through the absent roof at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

The Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

The Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

View through the absent roof at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

View through the absent roof at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

Two tombstones marking the graves of sisters who died during infancy at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

Two tombstones marking the graves of sisters who died during infancy at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

A small mausoleum at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

A small mausoleum at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

Oyster shells protrude as part of the walls at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

Oyster shells protrude as part of the walls at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

View through one of the empty arch windows at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

View through one of the empty arch windows at the Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

The Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

The Chapel of Ease Ruins in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette The chapel was building in the mid-1700's to serve the families of plantation owners on Saint Helena Island. In 1886 a forest fire destroyed the church, leaving only the walls and a single pillar standing. Today the grounds are maintained by Parish Church of St. Helena. The ruins are open to the public 24/7 for respectful exploration, and permits can be acquired for photo shoots and weddings.

View of nearby private boat docks from the beach at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View of nearby private boat docks from the beach at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View of nearby private boat docks from the beach at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View of nearby private boat docks from the beach at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View of nearby private boat docks from the beach at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View of nearby private boat docks from the beach at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

The narrow but long beach at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

The narrow but long beach at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

The beach access at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

The beach access at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View on top of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View on top of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View on top of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View on top of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View on top of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View on top of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View on top of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

View on top of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

The sun shines high above Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

The sun shines high above Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

A view through a doorway leading out of the interior of one of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.

A view through a doorway leading out of the interior of one of the concrete structures at Fort Fremont Historical Park in Saint Helena Island, SC on Sunday, February 22, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Fort Fremont consists of several concrete artillery batteries built 1898 in response to the Spanish-American War. The fort was intended to defend local Naval Station Port Royal from invading ships during the war. The fort was deactivated in 1921. Over the next eight decades the property switched hands between several private owners until 2004 when the Trust for Public Land and Beaufort County Council bought the property. Today the property is open to the public to explore the ruins of the concrete batteries. The area is only lightly maintained, and visitors enter at their own risk. However, it is a rare and thrilling place to explore.