Daufuskie Island lies along the South Carolina Coast between Hilton Head Island, S.C., and Tybee Island, Ga. It is 5 miles long by 2 ½ miles wide, without a bridge, and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Mongin Creek, New River, Cooper River and Calibogue Sound.

Indians occupied the island until they were forced off by the Yemassee War of 1715. While they were here, the Indians gave Daufuskie its name, which means "land with a point". Bloody Point at that time had a long strip of land that extended southward, where the Indians would meet after raiding nearby plantations. Owners of those plantations followed the raiders to Daufuskie and ambushed them during one of their meetings. Many of the indians died on the beach turning the sand red, which brought the name Bloody Point.

Plantation owners soon took over Daufuskie. African slaves tended crops of indigo and cotton for these owners. This lasted until the Civil War, when both the white and black populations deserted the island, leaving only a few old or sick slaves. When plantation owners were condoned after the war, and their land was returned, three plantations were divided into small plots. Land sold at 25 or 50 cents an acre, making it available to former slaves, many of whom bought small plots, built homes, and began living on their own.

The Daufuskie Oyster Company was formed and the oyster business thrived from the late part of the 19th century until 1959 when the waters became too polluted. A lumber yard was established on the island providing jobs for many islanders. The lumber would be cut on Daufuskie and then floated to nearby towns. Lumbering brought jobs and income from about 1915 to 1920. Boat building occupied many in the 1920s. Produce farmers took their crops to Savannah or Beaufort via five steamboats that plied the waters between the two cities. At various times, there were several stores on the island. Some people hired domestic help. Midwives had a thriving business. And deviled crabs became a large seller.

Two lighthouses were built on Daufuskie: Haig Point in 1873 and Bloody Point in 1883. Both were abandoned in 1925. In 1912, a room in the barn at Melrose served as the first post office with mail coming on the steamers. Mrs. Evelyn Stoddard was the first postmaster. The last postmaster was Mrs. Billie Burn who retired in 1984. Since then, the post office is acquired by contract and is handled by a postal person who at the present is Mrs. Beth Shipman. Mr. and Mrs. Edmond deliver the mail daily to and from Hilton Head.

In the mid 80's both Melrose and Haig Point Plantation were bought and rebuilt. Haig Point became a private residential golf community. The Melrose Plantation was turned into a private golf club and residential community. Jack Nicholas designed a golf course for the Melrose Company and brought much attention to the plantation. In the late 1990's the Club Corporation Of America (CCA) bought Melrose. Now named The Daufuskie Island Club and Resort, the plantation is more of a resort and conference center. Many golf tournaments are also held on the Melrose golf courses throughout the year.

 

Commonly Asked Questions about Daufuskie Island

How do you get to Daufuskie?

In order to get to Daufuskie Island you have to take a boat from Hilton Head. There are two different ferries that you may ride. Anyone may ride the Daufuskie Island Club and Resort (DICR) ferries if you buy a boat pass. Hundreds of golfers and tourists ride on these ferries every week to go and visit Daufuskie. If you are a member of the DICR than you may ride their ferries at no cost. Or, if you are a member of Haig Point you may ride the Haig Point ferries. But you may not ride the Haig Point ferry unless you are a member, or riding with a member.

Is it true that there aren't any cars on Daufuskie? Only golf carts?

No, that is not true. On the plantations (Haig Point and Daufuskie Island Club & Resort) only golf carts are permitted, except for the club vehicles and contractors. Off the plantations, most islanders have at least one car or truck.

How many people live on Daufuskie full time?

The exact number is uncertain, but somewhere around 250-300 people live on Daufuskie full time.

Are there any stores or gas stations on the island?

No, there aren't any stores or gas stations. There are two local restaurants off of the plantations; Marshside Mama's, and Freeport. There is a small store connected to Marshside Mama's where you can buy sodas or candy or a few canned goods and such. On DICR there is a small General Store with wider variety of things, like small frozen pizzas, bread, fruit, canned goods, newspapers, etc. But there aren't any grocery stores, or a Wal-Mart. In order to get gasoline, the DICR has gas pumps which they open to the Islanders for a few hours a few days a week.

If there aren't any stores, than how do you get your groceries?

You go to the grocery stores on Hilton Head, put everything in coolers and send it back to Daufuskie on the boat. Most island residence go shopping once every week or month and buy everything that they think they will need for that time period.

Do you think that they will ever build a bridge to Daufuskie?

If the Islanders have any say in it, no. The people who live on Daufuskie or own houses or land on Daufuskie chose to move here because of the island's seclusion. They love Daufuskie because there is no bridge, no connection with the hectic world around it.