Once a marshy bay, S Pier tells a tale of Charleston’s evolving waterfront. This 70-acre pier wasn’t always the concrete slab we see today. It was once a network of inlets and marshland.
Charleston’s waterfront has changed dramatically since 1670. The downtown peninsula was filled to expand buildable land. This expansion occurred along the Charleston Harbor and the Cooper and Ashley rivers. S Pier is no exception to this development.
Imagine wharves extending from high ground toward the Cooper River. These wooden-plank wharves were modest at first. They were later replaced with large concrete piers. These piers stretched further into Charleston Harbor. This increased the capacity to receive large cargo and passenger vessels.
The 20th century brought continued development to S Pier. This was achieved through wharf expansion and property consolidation. Economic growth after World War II furthered this development.
Historical maps trace S Pier’s ecological evolution. An early map from 1686 shows East Bay Street as the city’s first wharf. It was located adjacent to a sloping tidal mudflat. Larger vessels used smaller boats called “lighters” to unload cargo. Erosion was an issue and early attempts were made to fortify the peninsula.
A 1788 map shows early landmarks within the present-day S Pier property. These included Mey’s Wharf, Munro’s Wharf, and Shrewsbury’s Wharf. A portion of Governor’s Bridge was also present.
By 1849, the eastern part of Charleston reflected a jagged edge. This edge comprised wooden wharves named for their owners. These owners were often wealthy merchants and businessmen. Smaller businesses set up shop creating a diverse business district.
Eight wharves existed within the S Pier property footprint. These were Bennett’s North and South Wharves. Also, Patton’s Wharf, Knox’s Wharf, Marsh’s Wharf, Union Wharf, William’s Wharf, Fitzsimon’s Wharf, and a public landing.
Compared to the 1788 map, S Pier had been further filled. Many more wharves had been constructed. These wharves created fingers extending into the Cooper River. By this time, Market Street had been developed atop the filled-in Daniel’s Creek.
Union Wharf, established around 1842, was one of the busiest ports in Charleston. It was so successful that in 1846 it absorbed three adjacent ports. These were Knox’s, Marsh’s, and Williams’ wharves. With this expansion, it became known as Union Wharves #1-4.
By the 1870s, the waterfront was dredged. This allowed larger vessels to dock and unload right at these piers. It increased capacity and made trade more efficient.
The Bird’s Eye View Map of Charleston from 1872 shows this eastern wharf neighborhood. It shows the vessels in port, manufacturing mills, and commercial structures. Wharves changed hands and took on new names. One example is Mt. Pleasant Ferry Wharf. The area that was once a marshy bay was completely filled in.
The 1888 Sanborn map illustrates the Industrial Revolution’s effects on Charleston. There was an increase in manufacturing and large-scale businesses. Ownership of these properties shifted to larger corporate entities. They capitalized on access to railroads and Charleston Harbor.
The 1902 Sanborn map highlights the railroad’s impact on the S Pier landscape. By the 1940s, S Pier became one large wharf. It was controlled by the State Ports Authority. By 1951, maps show consolidation of the previous wharves into larger concrete piers. These had wider berthing channels for modern ships.
In 1922, the City of Charleston purchased Union Wharves. They began making improvements under the Port Utilities Commission. The four Union Wharves were consolidated into one large wharf. It was renamed S Pier. Due to financial strain, the wharves fell into disrepair. In 1947, the South Carolina State Ports Authority took ownership. They continued to expand its footprint.
Historical maps show that the S Pier property was originally water or marshland. Only about 51% is now high ground. The original wooden-plank wharf evolved into today’s massive concrete pier. When this property is redeveloped, there could be hazardous results.
S Pier’s wharves have historically mirrored Charleston’s growth. Its redevelopment will be the next phase of the city’s waterfront evolution.