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Please check back for more information about the importance of rivers to the history of Spring Island
Commercial Waterways
Since earliest times until the mid-20th century Spring Islanders' journeyed as much by water as land. In early colonial days it was generally safer and easier traveling by ship or bateau than on dirt roads or trails that were often muddy, rutted and impassable.
Native Americans navigated local coastal waterways by dugout canoe. Their trade was mostly with inland tribes, penetrating deep into the Piedmont via the Savannah and Santee Rivers. A major trading post between colonists and local Indians was located where the Chechessee gatehouse is today.
Empire Outpost
Port Royal Sound was explored, settled and fortified by Spain long before England's colonies were established. Its superb natural harbor and deep channel offered ideal protection from hurricanes and storms. Its strategic value was guarding shipping lanes.
In 1525, Lucas de Allyon on a scouting expedition from Hispaniola (now Cuba) named the point of land off St Helena's Island, "Punta Santa Elena." Spanish attempts settling the region all ended in disaster.
"No Fauer or Fytter Place"
Six other national flags have flown over Port Royal Township. Jean Ribaut named "Portus Regalis" for its size and grandeur. His crew built Charlesfort off the eastern side of Parris Island. Ship captains William Hilton and Robert Sanford separately explored Port Royal Sound prior to English migrants from Barbados settling Lady's Island in 1670.
Deepwater access was a key to Spring Island's early history. Boats have access 24/7 to various locations on the perimeter of the island.
Battle of Port Royal Sound
November 7, 1861, on a clear and beautiful morning, Spring Island's inhabitants would have heard opening salvoes of a massive bombardment by the "Federal South Atlantic Blockading Squadron," commanded by Samuel F. Du Pont on the flagship USS Wabash. The Federal fleet had sailed from Hampton Roads to blockade Port Royal.
Their targets were land forts guarding the entrance to the Sound—Fort Walker on Hilton Head Island and Fort Beauregard on Bay Point. On November 2, 1861, a small Confederate "Mosquito Fleet," including the Savannah and Lady Davis had sallied forth from Savannah to help defend against a fleet of overwhelming size and strength.
The Federal fleet executed a battle plan involving a two-mile long elliptical sailing pattern, firing first on one fort, then another. By mid-afternoon both forts were in the hands of Federal forces. Following the engagement many Southern whites fled the area, leaving behind thousands of slaves. The Union army shortly occupied Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, St. Helena's, Ladies' and Fripp Islands.