Daufuskie comes from the Muscogee language and means “sharp feather” for the island’s distinctive shape. Long before European colonists arrived to the New World, native peoples called Daufuskie Island home as evidenced by artifacts dating back some 9,000 years. Not to mention ancient piles of oyster shells which stand as testament that people have been enjoying the abundance the island has to offer since before time was even really counted.
Native artifacts found on Daufuskie date back at least nine thousand years, so the European and American stories take place only in the past couple of minutes in the hour of history. Ancient piles of oyster shells testify that people found abundance and contentment on the island before time was counted. The name, Daufuskie, comes from the Muscogee language, meaning “sharp feather,” for the island’s distinctive shape.
In 1521 Spain claimed Daufuskie Island—and the entire Atlantic coastline from St. Augustine to Charlestown. Just four years later, the French staked their claim to nearby Port Royal, all the while the native peoples continued to thrive and live as they had for generations before.
The quest for religious freedom ultimately brought two European families to Daufuskie Island—the great grandson of French Huguenot David Mongin, and the daughter of Italian Prince Filippo de Martinangelo who escaped the Inquisition. The story of these two founding families is intertwined throughout their long history, and both rose to become powerful plantation owners.
Rice and cotton were the traditional crops found on plantations throughout the Carolina Lowcountry. And the cotton grown on Daufuskie Island—Sea Island cotton—was considered to be the best in the world. In fact, Sir Ian Flemming wrote that 007 himself preferred Sea Island cotton shirts. The cotton was originally harvested and tended to by slaves from West Africa.
The Gullah language is a legacy of the original slaves and later laborers who remained once the plantations folded. The Lowcountry was remote until the mid-20th century, but add the isolation of an island and it created the perfect climate for the language and manners of the Gullah people to remain remarkably well preserved. The language is a colorful and rhythmic blend of West African and rural English dialect that is becoming increasingly rare to hear.
Plenty of islanders will tell you even the spirit world conspires to keep Daufuskie unspoiled. While there’s no shortage of ghost stories to hear, most just accept that the spirits are their neighbors—always have been, always will be. As you explore, notice the “heaven blue” shutters, doorways, and window frames on the old houses. One of our favorite artifacts bears the inscription:
Thanks to the vision of those who treasure Daufuskie Island and recognize the island’s potential along with the expertise of the scholars and architects who have led the island’s redevelopment, a clear pla moving forward is in place. Daufuskie Island will be a place to discover historic sites and districts, walk through neighborhoods that feature beautiful open spaces, and to discover the stunning South Carolina coastline. Resorts with fantastic amenities will complement permanent residences and vacation homes for everyone to enjoy.Bloody Point Lighthouse and Museum
Constructed in 1882 and in service for half a century, the Bloody Point Lighthouse marked the coastline to guide boaters into the channel, and aid in safe passage into and out of the Savannah River. Today it is a well preserved historic structure which houses a collection of artifacts and documents telling the story of Daufuskie of the last century. An interpretive garden featuring heritage crops of the Low Country, such as cotton, rice and indigo is located on the grounds of the museum.
