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Congaree National Park Invites Public to Commemorate its 50th Anniversary
News Release Date: September 3, 2026 Contact:Jon Manchester
Hopkins, S.C. — On Oct. 17 and 18, Congaree National Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary as “the green heart of South Carolina,” preserving incredible biodiversity in the largest intact area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The park will host a series of free events including a commemorative ceremony, interpretive talks, guided hikes, special activities and talks by guest speakers, including some who helped advocate for the park’s founding.
“Join us in celebrating our milestone of 50 years of Congaree National Park,” said Superintendent Gregory Hauburger. “We are honored to host our community and collectively reflect on our park’s founding and how our impact has grown since 1976.”The commemorative ceremony will be on Oct. 18 at 12:15 p.m. in the auditorium of the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.
The ceremony and other commemorative programs will explore:
efforts to establish the park in the 1970s
how the park protects its natural and cultural resources
how the park has evolved over the past half century
For all events during the commemorative celebration, meet at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center located at 100 National Park Road in Hopkins, SC. Visit the park’s website for a full schedule of programs and events. Events are free and open to the public.
