Look, we know President's Day is mostly about mattress sales and a three-day weekend. But here in the Lowcountry? We've got some seriously wild presidential stories that'll make you appreciate this place even more. From George Washington sipping tea in Charleston to Grover Cleveland face-planting into pluff mud (yes, really), our corner of South Carolina has hosted some legendary presidential moments.

So grab your sweet tea, settle in, and let's take a tour through the most entertaining presidential history you never learned in school.

George Washington Slept Here (For Eight Whole Days)

In May 1791, President George Washington rolled into Charleston on what he called his "Southern Tour." This wasn't a quick photo-op situation, the man stayed for a full week, touring plantations along the Ashley River and basically living his best colonial life.

Washington stayed at what's now the Heyward-Washington House, a gorgeous Georgian-style home built in 1772. The house belonged to Thomas Heyward Jr., one of South Carolina's four signers of the Declaration of Independence (we like to brag about that). According to historical records, Washington attended concerts, formal dinners, and even a ball at the Exchange Building. Apparently, the first president knew how to party Charleston-style.

The really cool part? You can still visit the Heyward-Washington House today at 87 Church Street in Charleston. It's a museum now, filled with Charleston-made furniture from the 18th century. Walking through those rooms, you're literally standing where George Washington stood. No big deal or anything.

For those of us in Summerville, it's worth remembering that the Ashley River Road Washington traveled is the same route we take when heading into Charleston. Highway 61 might have more Bojangles locations now, but the journey traces the same historic path.

When Grover Cleveland Met His Match: The Pluff Mud Incident of 1894

Okay, this is hands-down the funniest presidential story in Lowcountry history. President Grover Cleveland, a big, robust guy who thought he was pretty tough, decided to go duck hunting in the marshes near Charleston in 1894. Spoiler alert: the pluff mud won.

For those who don't know, pluff mud is that thick, gray, sulfur-smelling marsh mud that defines the Lowcountry. It's beautiful from a distance, but step in it, and you're basically standing in nature's quicksand. Local kids know this. Tourists learn this the hard way. And apparently, so did President Cleveland.

The story goes that Cleveland, in all his presidential glory, stepped off his hunting boat and immediately sank waist-deep into the pluff mud. His hunting party had to haul him out like they were rescuing a beached manatee. Can you imagine the Secret Service guys trying to keep a straight face while pulling the President of the United States out of the muck?

The best part? This incident made Cleveland an honorary member of the Lowcountry community. Because once you've lost a boot to the pluff mud, you're one of us forever. It's like an initiation ritual nobody asked for.

These days, you can safely observe the marshes without the Cleveland Experience by visiting any of our local nature spots. But if you want the full authentic experience… well, we won't stop you.

Teddy Roosevelt's Summerville Surprise

Here's something most folks don't know: President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt actually visited Summerville! In 1902, the Rough Rider himself stepped off the train right here in the Flowertown.

Roosevelt was touring the South, and Summerville was a notable stop because of its reputation as a health resort town. Back then, Summerville was famous for its pine-scented air and therapeutic climate. People came from all over to escape the harsh winters up north, and apparently, even presidents wanted a piece of that Summerville magic.

There's a historical photograph of Roosevelt on the train platform, top hat, mustache, the whole deal. It's one of those "wait, this actually happened HERE?" moments that makes you appreciate Summerville's rich history beyond just the Flowertown Festival.

While the original train depot looks different now, you can still catch glimpses of historic Summerville throughout downtown. The charming streets, the old buildings, and that signature small-town vibe? That's the same energy Teddy Roosevelt experienced over a century ago.

William Howard Taft and the She-Crab Soup Obsession

President William Howard Taft didn't just like Charleston's she-crab soup. The man was obsessed with it. So obsessed, in fact, that he had it added to the White House menu after his visits to Charleston. That's the ultimate restaurant review: "This soup is so good, I'm making it a presidential menu item."

For those unfamiliar, she-crab soup is a creamy, rich soup made with crab meat, crab roe, and a blend of spices that'll make you question every other soup you've ever eaten. It's a Charleston culinary tradition, and Taft wasn't wrong to fall head-over-heels for it.

Want to taste presidential-approved cuisine? The Lowcountry is still serving up incredible she-crab soup at restaurants throughout the Charleston area. Places like 82 Queen, Hyman's Seafood, and Peninsula Grill are famous for their versions. Even some spots closer to Summerville serve up their own takes on this classic dish.

Looking for local dining options to experience this and other Lowcountry favorites? Check out our local restaurant directory to find everything from classic Lowcountry cuisine to modern twists on Southern favorites.

The Revolutionary Roots Running Through It All

While we're talking presidential history, it's worth mentioning that the Lowcountry's connection to American leadership goes way back before presidential visits. The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in Mt. Pleasant preserves Snee Farm, the plantation of Charles Pinckney, a principal author and signer of the U.S. Constitution who later served three terms as South Carolina's governor.

The area is literally layered with Revolutionary War history. The Lowcountry Revolutionary Trail winds through the region, connecting battle sites, plantations, and historic homes that shaped the founding of our nation. These weren't just places presidents visited, these were the grounds where American independence was fought for and won.

Bringing Presidential History Home

Here's the thing about all these presidential stories: they're not just dusty old history. They're proof that Summerville and the surrounding Lowcountry have always been special. From Washington recognizing Charleston's importance to Roosevelt seeking out Summerville's healing atmosphere to Taft demanding our food be served in the White House, leaders throughout history have known what we know: this place is something else.

This President's Day weekend, while you're enjoying those mattress sales and the extra day off, take a minute to appreciate that you're living in a place with serious historical street cred. George Washington walked these roads. Teddy Roosevelt stepped off a train in Summerville. And Grover Cleveland… well, he became one with the pluff mud.

Whether you're a history buff or just someone looking for things to do in Summerville SC, consider exploring some of these historical connections. Visit the Heyward-Washington House in Charleston. Take a drive down Ashley River Road. Order some she-crab soup. Or just take a walk through historic downtown Summerville and imagine Teddy Roosevelt doing the same thing 123 years ago.

And if you happen to find yourself near the marsh? Maybe watch where you step. We don't need another Cleveland situation.

Looking for more local history, events, and things to do? Keep checking back with What's Up Summerville for all the latest Summerville SC events and community news. Because while we love our presidential past, we're pretty excited about our Summerville present, too.