Edisto Island, South Carolina
City Information and History

Edisto Island's historical legacy began with the imprint of the Edistow Indians-its first known occupants. Edisto Beach SC

The Spanish arrived in the 1500's, followed by English settlers in the 1600's. The English remained, first living off the sea, then cultivating money crops of rice and indigo. By 1790, planters turned to a long staple cotton, known as Sea Island cotton-one of the finest cottons ever produced. It was this crop that brought the great wealth to Edisto Islanders. Many of the elegant houses and plantations remaining today are reminders of that affluent age. These sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These private homes are put on tour once a year by the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society.

Edisto is a quiet family island-a gathering place to renew the spirit and familial ties. It is a place of little commercialization with responsible development. We place a premium on keeping nature unspoiled in a harmony of friendly people.

Edisto Island SC Some sources state that Edisto was settled before Charleston, but no records prove or disprove this statement. Records do show that Edisto was purchased from the Edistow tribe of Indians by the Earl of Shaftsbury, one of the original Lord Proprietors, for some cloth, hatchets, beads and other goods in 1674. Rice and indigo were among the first crops planted; however, Sea Island Cotton became world famous. It is reliably stated that the Pope in Rome insisted that his garments be made of Edisto Island cotton. The cotton industry brought great prosperity to the Island and many of the Plantation owners built magnificent homes and furnished them with the very best of furniture and books. Some of these Plantation homes are still standing. You may take a tour of the Island and view some of these homes if you wish. Following the end of the War Between The States and the advent of the boll weevil, the cotton industry died and the Islanders started truck farming, shrimping and fishing. Today, tourism is also one of the largest industries on Edisto Island.
Resort development began on Edisto Beach in the 1920s when beachgoers had to time their arrival to coincide with low tide in order to cross the marsh areas by driving on beds of oyster shells. They then crossed over the dunes to the beach and drove along the ocean to their cottages which had no electricity or running water.
Development was slow in the early days and damage from a major hurricane in 1940 destroyed many of the existing homes. Following World War II, development on Edisto Beach began to increase.

Edisto Beach and Edisto Island have given families good times and great memories since the 1930´s. It´s a place where families come to play. And Edisto Realty will help you make your South Carolina beach vacation just the way you want it.

Whether you like relaxing on an un-crowded beach, walking the nature trails in Edisto Beach State Park, kayaking, biking, sun bathing, shelling, fishing, boating, visiting the beautiful SC ACE Basin or exploring historic Edisto Island there´s always something to do for every member of the family.

Whether you want to rent beach supplies, find a great gift in one of our locally owned businesses, discover the local entertainment spots or locate a great restaurant - all are as easy as using this web site. Contact one of our rental specialists at 1-866-856-6538.

Most of us have lived here all our lives, we can give you the inside information on what we believe is the best beach in South Carolina. Certainly it is among the least commercial. Don´t like traffic? We don´t even have a traffic light. You won´t find cookie cutter chain stores or fast food restaurants. You will find exceptional sea food, an easy day trip into Historic Charleston or Beaufort, easy access to the beach at Edisto and lots of very friendly people.

Let us help you plan and enjoy your South Carolina beach vacation. Our rental team will make you feel like you´ve been vacationing at Edisto Beach for years. And you can make your Edisto Beach rental an annual event. Many of our renters reserve the same house every year. Houses with names like "5 O´clock Somewhere","All Decked Out" or "High Cotton". Each has a personality all its own. Eventually you may decide you want to own your own house here. Our sales team can help make that a reality. Just stop by our office "on the boulevard". We´ll help you find the perfect beach or island home. Don´t hesitate to ask to look around!

Edisto Beach and Edisto Island; for your perfect family vacation.

Uncrowded and Unforgettable

The sands of time seemed to have stowed away on Edisto Island. Not only is this one of the least commercialized beaches in all of South Carolina - it is certainly one of the most beautiful. The scenery is almost poetic, where an hour's entertainment might mean watching snowy egrets glide through magnolia-perfumed air. Or you just may want to keep gazing at the magnificent moss-draped oaks, strolling through the stately antebellum plantation homes or hunting for the rare shells found only on this lovely, quiet island.

The English purchased the island from the Edisto Indians in 1666. Its history can still be traced among the fabled plantation homes, historic cemeteries and South Carolina's oldest Presbyterian Church.
The beach can seem like it's all yours. So take a leisurely walk and beach-comb. Even the ocean is gentle, ideal for sailing and splashing.
Go fishing, shrimping, crabbing - all for the fun of it.
Hunt for antiques or enjoy some of the excellent food for which the area is known.

Chris Walters - Edisto Beach Realtor - E-Pro®
Edisto Sales & Rentals Realty (Edisto Realty)
1405 Palmetto Blvd
Edisto Beach, SC 29438
Office: 843-869-2527
Mobile: 843-708-8501

Edisto Island, South CarolinaCity Information and History

Edisto Island, South Carolina
City Information and History