Folly Beach

Folly Island is a six and a half mile long, half mile wide barrier island off the coast of Charleston. The first known record of Folly Island was in 1696. Prior to the start of the Civil War, the area was known as Coffin Land and virtually secluded from the civilization. It was considered to be a hideout for pirates and only the bravest folks called themselves residents. During the Civil War, the Union army camped on Folly Island as they attempted to take back Charleston.

Folly Beach is home to the Morris Island lighthouse. In 1767, King George III commissioned the building of a 42 foot lighthouse to assist with the rapidly growing port of Charles Towne. Interestingly enough, in 1775 at the start of the Revolutionary War, the light was snuffed out so that it would not aid British ships entering the area waters. During the Civil War, Confederate troops destroyed the lighthouse so as not to aid the Union forces. Soon after the Civil War ended a new 102 foot lighthouse was reconstructed on Morris Island. The ocean and her storms have not been kind to the structure and at one point in recent history, the lighthouse stood to lose her battle with Mother Nature. Thanks to private citizens, local and federal governments committed to saving the historical landmark, the Morris Island lighthouse will be preserved for generations of residents and visitors to enjoy.

As well as beautiful beaches, Folly Island has a maritime forest, natural vegetated terrains, swamps and estuaries. As a result, over 150 varieties of birds as well as bottle-nosed dolphins and Loggerhead sea turtles frequent the island.

Housing choices range from new oceanfront construction to the traditional charming beach cottages of yesteryear to condos and townhouses.

City of Folly Beach Website

Charleston County Schools Website

Private and Parochial School Websites