The South Carolina coast has been home to Native Americans, colonists, pirates, rum runners, and adventurers. So, it’s no surprise that these waterfront communities hold some secrets and interesting historical tidbits.
Kiawah Island, for example, was named for the Kiawah Indians who were led by their head chieftain or cassique. In the year 1670, the cassique of the Kiawah led English colonists to settle at Charlestowne Landing.
Speaking of names, Isle of Palms has been renamed twice. Its first recorded name was Hunting Island, named by Seewee Indians who inhabited the island for as long as 25,000 years. Once the English settlers made landfall, they changed the name to Long Island. In 1899, J.S. Lawrence bought the uninhabited island and renamed it the Isle of Palms.
Sullivan’s Island has been a Summer Retreat for South Carolinians since the early 19th century and has attracted prominent visitors. One famous transplant was Edgar A. Perry, who arrived on the Waltham Ship in November 1827. You may not recognize that moniker, but you are no doubt familiar with his real name, Edgar Allen Poe. But this was prior to his achieved fame as a writer. At this point, it is presumed he used an alias to escape gambling debts and his family.
Just up the coast in Folly Beach, George Gershwin spent time in 1933 while working on his well-known opera “Porgy and Bess.” It was based on a story by Charleston writer Du Bose Heyward, who also frequented Folly Beach.
South Carolina’s coastal communities have a long history with pirates. Stede Bonnet, the gentleman pirate, was aligned with Blackbeard and was captured in Sullivan’s Island. There are several pirate tours to introduce you to this era in South Carolina’s history.
Another fact about Folly Beach: Its most popular surf spot, The Washout, was created by Hurricane Hugo when it “washed out” several homes and land in 1989. Folly Beach is also home to another half dozen surf spots and several competitions. Democratic presidential candidate Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard surfed Folly Beach with the nonprofit Warrior Surf while campaigning.
An interesting natural phenomenon takes place each year at Seabrook Island. Visitors can witness a “strand feeding,” when dolphins communicate through high pitch whistles, then work as a team and herd fish towards the shore. There, they enjoy a feast. It takes place from April through November, and some visitors have watched an entire pod of dolphins right by the shoreline during a strand feed.
Sullivan’s Island is home to tidal pools, which are fascinating to explore. From Station 22 to 28, there are several but use caution. Tidal pools are an ecosystem and can hold unwelcoming creatures, including alligators.
Plan Your Charleston Coast Vacation
South Carolina’s coast is a historic destination that also touts natural treasures. Discover it for yourself with a beach vacation in 2020.