Did you know that The Cove in Charleston wasn’t always the relaxing bay it is today? Let’s step back in time and uncover the hidden stories of this unique spot.
The Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Folly Beach are like three fun-loving sisters. These barrier islands share the same sea. The Cove played a vital role in connecting these sisters to Charleston.
Back in the day, the Isle of Palms was known as Hunting Island. Later it was called Long Island. Sewee Indians lived here. British troops stayed here. Occasional pirates also came here. In the late 19th century, visitors began arriving.
Dr. Joseph Lawrence bought the island. He was president of the Charleston and Seashore Railroad Company. Lawrence renamed it Isle of Palms. He improved the steam ferry service from Charleston to Mount Pleasant. Electric streetcar lines ran from Mount Pleasant over The Cove. These lines led to the island’s development.
By 1906, the Seashore Hotel had 50 rooms. It stood near today’s Front Beach on the Isle of Palms. A dance pavilion and Ferris wheel followed. The Isle of Palms became a popular East Coast spot. People traveled from Augusta and Savannah to visit. They chartered trains to get here.
Sullivan’s Island, close to the Isle of Palms, has its own story. A trolley bridge once crossed Cove Inlet. It connected summer residents to the island.
Sullivan’s Island is named after Captain Florence O’Sullivan. He was an early Irish Catholic settler. He placed a cannon at the island’s tip. This warned Charles Towne of danger.
The island’s past includes serving as a quarantine station. Ships brought Africans to Charleston during the Atlantic slave trade. Pest houses held human cargo before they were sold into slavery.
Today, The Cove is much more than just a connection point. It is a reminder of Charleston’s past. It links the stories of the islands. It whispers tales of transportation. It recalls days of amusements. It echoes with the laughter of summer visitors long ago. The Cove links Charleston’s mainland to its island sisters. Each island has its own charm and story to tell. The Cove is where those stories meet the mainland.