Sullivan's Island, SC-History and a Sandy Beach

Sullivan’s Island is a barrier island north of Charleston Harbor. The island was called O'Sullivan's Island prior because of Captain Florence O'Sullivan, who was stationed there as a lighthouse keeper in the late seventeenth century. The Town of Sullivan’s Island was formed when Atlanticville, a community on the north-east of the islands, and Moultrieville, located on the south-west half of the island, merged. Moultrieville was incorporated in 1817.

The history of the island has been dominated by Fort Moultrie, previously named Fort Sullivan during the American Revolution where a major battle was fought on June 28, 1776. The fort is now closed, but you can tour the remains and learn of its history. The remains of the Civil War sub the Hunley, which was the first submarine in history to sink an enemy ship, was discovered over 3.5 miles off the island’s shore.

The famous writer Edgar Allen Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie from November 1827 to December 1828. His now famous short story “The Gold Bug” uses Sullivan’s Island as its setting for most of the story. You should pick it up sometime and read it. You can visit Poe’s Tavern near the Town of Sullivan’s Island where you will learn about his time there and enjoy an excellent meal too.

There are no hotels or motels on the island itself, but there are plenty of beautiful ocean front vacation rentals to choose from. The Isle of Palms is close by and has motels, resorts, and vacation rentals for your convienence and pleasure. In addition, the beautiful historic city of Charleston is across the Ben Sawyer Bridge and down the road where there are numerous places for you to stay. Plenty of sandy beaches, water activity, golf, shopping, and history to keep you pleasantly occupied for the duration of your visit. Vacation Rick Travel Charleston