Beneath the surface of calm waters lies a history waiting to be discovered. Welcome to the Wando River above Mount Pleasant. The Wando River’s story whispers tales of ancient tribes and pivotal moments. It shaped the destiny of this land.
The Wando River is a tidewater river in coastal South Carolina. It begins near Awendaw. Its mouth meets the Cooper River before flowing into Charleston Harbor. The river’s drainage area covers 73061 acres.
The river’s name echoes the past. It is named for the Wando people. They were a band of the Cusabo tribe. The Wando people once lived on these very banks.
In 1675 the Wando and Sewee tribes petitioned the English. They wanted land reserved for their people. The colonial council granted their request. The Wando and Sewee settled on the southern banks of the Wando River.
Tragedy struck the Sewee. Most of their men were lost at sea. Survivors were sold into slavery. The remaining Sewee merged with the Wando. The Wando eventually integrated with neighboring tribes.
During the American Revolution the Wando River played a strategic role. Daniel Island’s location between the Wando and Cooper Rivers was key. It placed it in the middle of the action. Skirmishes took place along the Wando River.
In April 1780 a skirmish occurred at Miller’s Bridge. It was a crossing over a Wando River tributary. Loyalists had built a blockhouse there. Colonel Tarleton attacked and seized sloops goods and cannons.
Another skirmish took place at Wando Landing in February 1781. Francis Marion engaged British soldiers here. Marion’s hit-and-run tactics earned him the nickname Swamp Fox. He captured 30 British soldiers. He destroyed their provisions.
Mount Pleasant relied on the Wando and Cooper rivers. They were vital for transportation. Plantations used them to move people and resources. Ferries connected settlements. In 1770 Andrew Hibben started Hibben’s Ferry. It linked Haddrell’s Point to Charleston.
The Wando River witnessed Spanish and French attacks in 1706. Carolinians defeated French invaders at Abcaw. Abcaw became Hobcaw Plantation. Shipbuilding thrived there.
Today the Wando River above Mount Pleasant tells stories. It is a reminder of those who came before. It whispers of tribal heritage colonial struggles and revolutionary battles. Its waters flow with history. The Wando River continues to shape our present.