The Oaks (Frogmore, South Carolina)

The Oaks, also known as the Cooler House, is a historic plantation house located on Saint Helena Island near Frogmore, South Carolina. Built around 1855, this two-story vernacular frame I-House served as the headquarters for Edward L. Pierce during the Civil War, playing a crucial role in military and agricultural activities on the island. Notably, it was the site where Ellen Murray opened the Penn School for Freedmen in 1862, providing education to formerly enslaved individuals. The house also functioned as a hotel for military personnel and educators. It was recognized for its historical significance and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, making it a noteworthy destination for tourists and researchers interested in Civil War history and African American education.