Writings of the Islands:: Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms

by Suzannah Smith Miles

The islands and Lowcountry history are virtually synonymous. Here were the earliest watchtowers of the 1670s when pirates roamed the coastline. Here rang out the sounds of the great Revolutionary War victories won from the palmetto parapets of Fort Sullivan. It was from the inlet that separates the two islands that the Hunley sailed on its fateful mission against the Housatonic and into legend. And here, in the glory days of the late nineteenth century, the trolley line brought visitors from the world over to the islands' majestic resort hotels. Indeed, Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are unparalleled for the role they have played in the development of the Lowcountry and of our nation. Here are hurricanes, wars, the famous and the infamous--presented delightfully, sometimes with poignancy, and always with a reverence for the history of these extraordinary islands.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2004

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice bit of anecdotal history about the barrier islands (not just the two mentioned in the title) presented in short chapters (possibly once newspaper articles) that cover such things as the lighthouses, forts, military activities, hotels, people, and activities on these landmarks. I supposed only locals, or possibly historians, will use the book, but anyone in the Charleston area might get some good tidbits about their home. I wish she could have spent more time on her own reminiscences, as this was the area I was familiar with when I was young, having visited the island many times, though I lived on Edgewater Island (Stono). Hopefully soon I can take my boys down to see Fort Moultrie.