I've often wondered why I didn't enjoy history class as a child. Today, I can really appreciate the history we find all over the world. But I think what I love the most is the history that is in my back yard. We just returned from a short vacation on Daufuskie Island (Duh-fuss-key) that was full of the past. This little-known gem is nestled in between two well-known Islands off the coast of South Carolina. Sitting on the sandy beach, you can look to your left and see Hilton Head Island and if you look to the right, you see Georgia's Tybee Island. What keeps this island remote and not commercialized as much as the other barrier islands is its lack of a bridge. It can only be accessed by boat.
Endangered Marsh Tacky Horse |
By the early 15 hundreds European explorers had discovered the island. Spanish setters had made their way across the Atlantic looking for places to make new settlements. They brought with them Iberian horses. The Carolina Marsh Tacky horses are descendants of the Spaniard's 16th century horses and are in danger today with only 400 horses alive. They are a smaller horse of approximately 14 hands. They are intelligent, strong and well-built for the Carolina lowland's swampy areas.
Endangered Marsh Tacky Horse |
English, French, and Scottish began settling on the island. The island appealed to the Europeans for much of the same reasons it did the native Indians. The fertile soil and mild temperatures made it an ideal place to grow crops for profit such as rice, cotton, and indigo. The Yemassee Indians ran off the other Indians on the island and became intolerant of all the settlers coming to Daufuskie. In 1684 they attacked the Scottish settlement. That was the beginning of many conflicts between the settlers and the natives. The Spainards who felt threatened by the newcomers encouraged the Yemassee Indian attacks.
Small Island Home |
The conflicts heightened and between 1715 and 1717 the attacks became more violent. The British, tired of the raids, hid in the woods on the southwestern shore with cannons and guns waiting for the next attack. When it came the Indians were no match with their inferior weaponry. The waters ran red from the blood. The point was given the name Bloody Point--a name that remains today. The raids on the settlers ended as the Indians lost the battles and eventually their land.
Live Oak Trees used for Tall Ships |
Daufuskie Island kept its loyalties to England during the Revolutionary War. There were conflicts with the neighboring Hilton Head as its loyalties were to the new America.
Island's First Upstairs Stairs in this house |
Winery |
Slave Church |
Light House Home |
Visiting Daufuskie Island truly is like stepping back in time. Electricity didn't come to the island until 1953 and telephones arrived in 1972 It's a slower pace, a more relaxed lifestyle, there are no store chains, no grocery stores (yes, you read that correctly, so bring your own food), just local businesses such as an artesian community, a handful of restaurants, and a couple stores that are similar to a convenience store only one third the size. The stores and restaurants have what I'd call 'suggested' hours. You can never be sure...
The Iron Fish |
The island is full of historical landmarks to see. With the island being small we drove around in golf carts visiting a lighthouse (don't get too excited it isn't what you'll expect), an old Gullah school, old Cemetaries, old homes, an old winery, and a pre-civil war slave church to name a few. We stayed in the home with the very first set of stairs to an upstairs. It was super cozy. Next door was the owners metal shop, The Iron fish. He had lots of fun wall designs and you could watch them work. The wildlife is abundant. We saw everything from deer to raccoons, to armadillos, to alligators, birds, lizards, unusual squirrels, frogs... The list could go on and on. The scenery was just breath-taking. I do love the Spanish moss! The vacation was a hit and I can't wait to go back and visit!
What the roads look like on the island |
A Small Old Cemetary |
Thank you for posting today. What a wonderful place to discover! I'm glad I could visit there, thanks to your vivid descriptions and pictures!
ReplyDeleteHey Connie! It was so interesting! I just loved it. How long did you go there? I had never heard of it until my Daughter-in-law invited us. I hope to go back again. It truly was like stepping back in time.
ReplyDeleteI only went there through your eyes and descriptions, Debbie Lynne.
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