A ribbon of asphalt unwinds before you. This is Maybank Highway. It’s more than just a road. It’s a timeline etched in concrete and tar. It connects Charleston to its neighboring islands James Island Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island. Think of it as a watery artery pulsing with history.
Maybank Highway’s formal name is South Carolina Highway 700. It stretches for over twenty miles. The road begins at a dead end in Rockville on Wadmalaw Island. From there it snakes its way northeast. It passes the only working tea plantation in the United States. Imagine the fragrant steam rising from the tea leaves. Further along you’ll find the Firefly Distillery a testament to Charleston’s spirit.
The highway continues its journey across Church Creek and onto Johns Island. Here you find the venerable Angel Oak. This majestic tree is a silent witness to centuries of island life. The road crosses the Stono River via the John F Limehouse Memorial Bridge. This bridge honors a beloved ferryman. Before the bridge people relied on ferries. Limehouse’s ferry and store were vital community hubs.
As Maybank Highway winds towards James Island it becomes a four lane road. It crosses the Paul Gelegotis Bridge. This high-level bridge offers stunning views. The highway passes through the historic Riverland Terrace neighborhood. Think of elegant homes and quiet streets. You’ll also find a commercial area and a junction with Folly Road.
The section of Maybank Highway near the Burnet R Maybank drawbridge is especially significant. This bridge connects the West Ashley section of Charleston. The bridge is named after a former Charleston mayor. His name is synonymous with progress and development in the area. Maybank Highway’s connection to the city is therefore more than just a transportation link. It’s a symbol of Charleston’s growth and expansion.
The final stretch of Maybank Highway culminates at a partial interchange with US 17. This is where the highway’s journey concludes. But its stories its history its echoes of the past continue. They linger in the air the breeze the very ground beneath your feet. As you stand on Maybank Highway consider the layers of time beneath your feet. Consider the people who walked this road before you. Their stories are woven into the fabric of this highway. This is Maybank Highway a journey through time a testament to Charleston’s rich history.