Sullivan's Island has been a laid-back, sun-splashed playground for residents of the Lowcountry and beyond for more than a century. Before that, the island played pivotal roles on the stage of American history, and, for a short time, captured the imagination of one of America’s most prolific and enigmatic writers. In 1776, at the start of the American Revolution, when … [Read more...]
The Creation of Wild Dunes
Nestled on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes has become South Carolina's premier oceanfront resort. But it wasn't long ago that the 1600 acre tract of land enjoyed today by residents and guests alike was home to Indians who roamed the island to hunt and fish, and pirates who, legend has it, buried vast treasures here under ancient oak trees. Wild Dunes has quite … [Read more...]
The Life & Times of J.C. Long
On December 12, 1944 John Charles Long (known to everyone as J.C.), a prominent Charleston attorney, purchased 1,300 acres of land on the Isle of Palms. His vision of greatness would change the Isle of Palms forever. Long and his development company, The Beach Company, not only introduced paved roads, new bridges and new homes, but also provided such necessary services to … [Read more...]
Nostalgic Timeline of the Isle of Palms
The original inhabitants of the Isle of Palms, which was first known as Hunting Island, were the Sewee Indians. The island was later named Long Island because of its elongated shape. The first man to own Long Island was an early settler from Barbados, Thomas Holton, who was granted title in 1696. Throughout the mid-18th century, Long Island remained virtually unknown, except … [Read more...]
Isle of Palms History
The history of the Isle of Palms goes back to ancient times. Thought to be at least 25,000 years old-its first settlers were the Sewee Indians who, no doubt, were as awed by its gleaming shores and lush tropical growth as every newcomer to the island since. The jungle and waters teemed with wildlife-so much so that for many years it was known as Hunting Island. The Sewees … [Read more...]
Snakes in the Garden: Gangsters Who Called IOP Home
Back in the days when Elvis the Skinny was king and “gay” was synonymous with merry, there lived on the Isle of Palms a couple of big time New York gangsters. The gangsters’ sojourn on the Isle of Palms is a tantalizing tale of fact and hearsay sprinkled with the obligatory lineup of colorful outlaw nicknames. The facts of the story are as follows: In April of 1955 one … [Read more...]
The Legend of Goat Island
There is a tiny barrier island, only 200 yards off the Isle of Palms, where legend still lingers. It is called Goat Island. In the early '30s, a man and his wife lived there in self-exile without electricity or water, choosing to turn their backs on civilization forever. Goat Island remains a place of rustic solitude - a precious, slender slice of land beyond the reach of … [Read more...]
Isle of Palms Firsts
Here are some Isle of Palms firsts harking back to the days before our beloved IOP was given its current name. … [Read more...]
