In 1991, the land that now is the Living History Park was an abandoned water works. As shown in this picture it was an overgrown, swampy area used as a dumping ground by the city.
The remarkable change in the area has given North Augusta a Living History Park that is a setting for concerts, picnics, recreation, weddings, community events, historical demonstrations, a two-day living history encampment, and an artisan’s fair. The park has recently been listed as part of the Heritage Corridor Tour. Over 20,000 people use the park each year for their enjoyment and education.
All of the changes were accomplished by a small group of individuals who came together in 1991 to form a 501(c) non-profit organization called Olde Towne Preservation Association (OTPA). Their mission was to preserve the heritage and character of North Augusta and the surrounding areas. One of the objectives of the OTPA was to create a Living History Park where the general public could experience history firsthand through demonstration of colonial life. The park was also designed so the community could enjoy a passive greenway atmosphere reminiscent of the 18th century. The park represents North Augusta and the surrounding areas of the 1735–1785 period during which it played a vital role in the development of South Carolina and Georgia (colonies at the time) through the Indian Trade.
Much of the development work on the Park, done with the blessing and assistance of the city, has been through donations of labor, money, materials, time, and love by many individuals and businesses in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). All monies collected by OTPA are used to continue the development of the park and the Colonial Times encampment. The park is heavily used by the public schools and by home-schoolers to make history come alive. To allow this, no admission fees for the Colonial Days encampment are charged.
Contributions to OTPA are tax deductible and will greatly appreciated and will be put to good use. Checks should be made out to OTPA.
The Living History Park 