Callawassie Island
SIGNATURE TREASURED ISLAND
Twelve miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean (as the crow flies, or the great blue heron, or the snowy egret, all regulars in the Lowcountry), lies an 880-acre sea island that bears a unique calling in its name: Callawassie. Sheltered by the approximately 70-square-mile barrier island of Hilton Head, Callawassie is surrounded by waters of every nature: 5 miles of salt marsh waterfront on the Port Royal Sound Basin, 33 lagoons, and the confluence of Callawassie Creek with the Little Chechessee, Okatie, and Colleton Rivers. This flourishing location is only the prologue of why the area’s first inhabitants named the island and lifestyle that bears resemblance today to the same caretaker-calling embraced by its earliest residents.
Historically significant
Those first residents – the Yemmassee Indians – were themselves named for the serenity of the island and its nature, from the Muskogeanyvmvsē, meaning "tame, quiet.” Callawassie’s Native American ancestry dates back 4,000 years and with it, streams of evidence that its occupants valued the uniqueness of place and resource and stewarded it accordingly. Findings unearthed by archeological surveys overtime have landed more than 100 Callawassie-situated sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Even beyond its official excavation and registry, the land is also home to several historical exclusives, including South Carolina’s onlysugar mill ruins. Constructed in 1815-18, James Hamilton’s Callawassie Sugar Works, better known today as Sugar Mill Tabby Ruins, are identified as an “historically significant industrial site” both for the commercial development and the architectural remains of tabby construction. Used by early Spanish settlers and designed to make the best use of the natural resources, “tabby” or “historic oyster shell concrete” was a mixture of locally-abundant oyster shells burnt into quicklime, then mixed with sand, ash, water, and more oyster which lends itself as a “coarse aggregate.” This rudimentary primary approach was also developed using other “cockle” shells or a variety of shellfish to develop “Coquina Oyster Shell Tabby” still used lavishly today. More than a conservatory lesson in ancient foundations, Coquina Oyster Shell Tabby is a prolific modern architectural approach to design and construction that you’ll find in and around some of the finest homes on the island. This enigmatic element of “formal elegance” is often described as “enhancing the historic Lowcountry appeal” and has been rightly called “bullet proof building materials born of thesea.” Just another gorgeous signature autographing the facades, foundations, drives, and boundaries of Callawassie Island residences.
Certified
Just as consistent as its architecture embracing “natural resources,” is the diligence and passion of the island’s caretakers and preservation practices. From the first recorded plot signed to James Cochran in 1711, to a sugar mill, to an indigo plantation, and now to preserve, playground, and private island, Callawassie continues to forge new environmental history with modern accolades. Commitment to this legacy continues to be underwritten by island residents and visitors as part of the island’s reputation, identity, and individuality.In 2006 for instance, Callawassie became South Carolina’s first Community Wildlife Habitat, named by the National Wildlife Federation. Now with over 200 island residences classified as Certified Wildlife Habitats®, cultivation and preservation of this exceptional ecosystemis embraced as a responsibility and privilege shared by those who develop the land and those who simply call it “home.” More recently, In 2017, Callawassie was designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, one of only 23 in South Carolina. As described in the Audubon International Press Release, “To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.” Callawassie Island Director ofAgronomy Billy Bagwell, who led the endeavor, was recognized by Audubon for Environmental Stewardship, adding what the private community’s Communications and Membership Director Lindsey Cooler notes as “another environmentally-friendly milestone to our portfolio” – one of many that identifies Callawassie as committed to an environmental stewardship way of life.
A privilege to preserve: 4000 years and counting
This way of life was established early and remains unbreakable, by every indication of the generations who love the place for all it is and offers. The ingredients of Callawassie’s community, culture, and achievements come with consistently invested effort for centuries if not millennia. Those actively participating in this ever-forming history will tell you it’s motivated as much by passion as purpose.
Take the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, which draws a great deal of enthusiasm from its volunteer counters. Now in its 121st year as “the nation’s longest-running community bird science project,” 2019’s Callawassie-count alone recorded 1208 birds of 74 species. The images through the years of these explorers, volunteers, clubs, groups, and inhabitants – from architects to archeologists, birdwatchers to builders, volunteers to vacationers – paint the picture of passers-by who love the land and its “calm waters” on every side. They tell the story of a larger legacy of evolving populations, adventure-seekers, coastal enthusiasts, and people of peace – “tame and quiet” as the Yemmassee – who count it a privilege to witness, much less shepherd the island’s ecology and wildlife preservation. This appreciation for, and stewardship of the land is greater than job or hobby – it’s the heritage of those who have chosen Callawassie as home and purpose and a mantle passed through generations. Following the influence and inspiration of past foundations (historic shell rings, tabby ruins, registered historic industrial and homesites), newer generations are working with intentionality to preserve and laud the community’s balance and beauty. Today’s residents and guests carry this privilege with gravity as a Community of Stewards who share a reverence and responsibilityfor guarding this treasured island. That devotion has held steadfast for 4,000 years and counting. Twelve miles inland, you’ll find an island (and a way of life) fit for turning storybook pages. But the stunning views are no illustration,and the waters no appendix. They’re a restorative and remarkable refuge to be experienced for oneself.
Fair warning, when you visit an island like Callawassie, you'll likely want to stay.
WARMTH. BALANCE. CONNECTION.
The essence of Callawassie Island is brought to life by people who are the very definition of a community. The unified regard they have for one another. The common interests through nature, access, work, and play. And the individual sense of connection each and every member has when they cross the causeway. Get to know us, so we can get to know you. Whether you are already local or visiting, come discover the community island we call home. The essence of Callawassie Island is brought to life by people who are the very definition of a community. The unified regard they have for one another. The common interests through nature, access, work, and play. And the individual sense of connection each and every member has when they cross the causeway. Get to know us, so we canget to know you. Whether you are already local or visiting, come discover the community island we call home.
com-mu-ni-ty {noun, offten attributive}
pronounced [ kah-luh-wa-see ]
1) a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. "the Callawassie Island community"
2) a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. "the sense of community that
Callawassie Island can provide." a similarity or identity. "people who shared a community of interests across the causeway"
com·mu·ni·ty { noun, often attributive }
pronounced [ kah-luh-wa-see ]
1) a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. "the Callawassie Island community"
2) a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. "the sense of community that
Callawassie Island can provide." a similarity or identity. "people who shared a community of interests across the causeway"
