Moncks Corner, South Carolina





A History of Moncks Corner, South Carolina

Nesbitt House

Moncks Corner is the County Seat of Berkeley County, South Carolina. Moncks Corner was, during colonial time, a major settlement area of French Huguenots who came to South Carolina as a result of persecution in Europe. Many Berkeley and adjacent county surnames today evidence this French influence. Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion was born near Moncks Corner, and is now honored by the naming of Francis Marion National Forest nearby. A significant Revolutionary War battle was fought at Moncks Corner.

In 1882, Charleston County was divided and Mount Pleasant was placed in Berkeley County and named the county seat. Six years later, it was decided that Moncks Corner would be the county seat and Mount Pleasant reverted to its former boundaries in Charleston County.

At the time in Charleston District (county), Moncks Corner was granted a US Post Office on March 15, 1838, and its first Postmaster was Mr. Phillip J. Porcher. On January 22, 1839, the US Post Office Department officially changed the name of this town to Black Oak. Black Oak ultimately became Bonneaus Depot in Berkeley County, later shortened to Bonneau. This PO has been in continuous operation ever since its original inception in 1838.

The second incarnation of Moncks Corner, apparently at a new location, was on November 19, 1839 in Charleston District (county), with the first Postmaster Mr. Daniel Sheppard. In 1882, Berkeley County was recreated out of Charleston County, and Moncks Corner has been in Berkeley County ever since. Its PO has been in continuous operation since 1839.