Edisto Island Map

Description:

Description: This map shows where Edisto Island is located in South Carolina.

Edisto Island is a sea island located in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. Covering approximately 68 square miles (176 sq km), it is one of the largest of the South Carolina Sea Islands. The island is situated about 45 miles southwest of Charleston and is bounded by the Edisto River, the South Edisto River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The island's name derives from the Edisto Indians, a Native American tribe that inhabited the area before European settlement.

The island has a rich historical background dating back to the early 18th century when it became a center for indigo and later cotton production. Several plantations were established on the island, including Botany Bay Plantation and Middleton Place. Following the Civil War, many formerly enslaved people remained on the island, contributing to its unique Gullah culture, which preserves African linguistic and cultural elements. Today, approximately 2,000 permanent residents live on Edisto Island, with the population increasing significantly during tourist seasons.

The main community on the island is Edisto Beach, a small town located on the eastern end facing the Atlantic Ocean. Incorporated in 1970, it serves as the primary tourist destination on the island. The town features several restaurants, shops, and vacation rentals that cater to visitors. Despite development, the island has maintained much of its rural character, with oak trees draped in Spanish moss lining many of the roads.

Edisto Beach State Park, established in 1935, is one of the island's most significant attractions. The park covers 1,255 acres and offers camping facilities, cabins, and nature trails through maritime forests and salt marshes. The park is home to diverse wildlife including alligators, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve is another notable conservation area, encompassing 4,687 acres of forest, marsh, and beach habitats. Its Botany Bay Beach is famous for its "boneyard" of dead trees along the shoreline, creating a striking landscape that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts.

The island's beaches include Edisto Beach, which stretches for 4.5 miles along the Atlantic coast. Known for its abundant seashells, particularly whelks and sand dollars, it offers excellent shelling opportunities. The beach is also one of the few remaining uncommercial beaches in South Carolina, with no high-rise hotels or boardwalk. Jeremy Inlet and Scott Creek are smaller beach areas that provide additional access to the shoreline. Another notable shoreline area is Driftwood Beach, located on the northeastern side of the island. This stretch of coastline is characterized by numerous weathered driftwood pieces and fallen trees scattered across the sand, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape that is particularly popular for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. The beach's natural artwork of twisted wood against the ocean backdrop makes it one of the island's most visually distinctive areas.

Agriculture remains important to Edisto Island's economy, with tomatoes being a significant crop. The island also hosts the Edisto Island Serpentarium, a facility dedicated to reptile education and conservation, and the Edisto Island Museum, which documents the island's cultural and natural history.