Discover CharlestonA History Of Folly Beach SC

By Andrew Braden, Guest Contributor

Just as the wind, sun and waves have reshaped the coastline of Folly Beach over time – so too has its personality evolved and changed. Folly Beach, a mere 11 miles from downtown Charleston, is currently a popular destination for Charleston visitors, boasting 1,000,000 guests in 2014. Folly has an eclectic offering, which culminates in a laid-back, small-town beach feel. It is filled with charming local shops, bars and restaurants. Activities and events abound year-round to provide all manner of enjoyment, including local art & music festivals, benefits, fishing and even a well-known surfing competition.

 As one of South Carolina’s “Sea Islands” Folly has slowly evolved through the years. Its name is derived from the Old English word to describe “a clump of trees or a thicket. ” During the 1700’s it served the unenviable purpose as a depository for the sick and dying aboard ships desirous of entering Charleston harbor while avoiding quarantine. Thus, the name “Coffin Island” appears on some early maps. Later, during the Civil War, Folly played an important role for the 13,000 troops stationed there. It served as a staging area for the Battle of Morris Island, the victory that put the Federal troops into position to shell Fort Sumter.

After the Civil War, Folly was again virtually vacant. During the 40’s and 50’s a Coast Guard base operated at the north end of the island and at that time Morris Island Lighthouse was still active. During World War II South Carolina was never attacked, but Naval Aviators were trained for combat by dropping live bombs on houses on Folly’s northeast end. The impacts of these bombs opened several cracks in the concrete base of the Morris Island Lighthouse. Over time the Coast Guard station, which transmitted a “fixed radio beacon ” out to sea that ships could pick up more than 100 miles out became more relevant than the light emitted from Morris Island’s light, which extended only 18.5 miles. A new lighthouse on Sullivan’s Island was built and Morris Island Lighthouse went dark on June 15, 1962. Over the years there were many battles to save the lighthouse structure as this is a beloved and iconic marker of Folly Beach.

In 1931 the bright green “Folly’s Pier” opened, along with the boardwalk and the Oceanfront Hotel. For decades these were the center of social activity on Folly. In 1957 that pier burned and was replaced by another and the Oceanfront Plaza, which featured a skating park, bowling alley and small amusement park. The amusement park included a roller coaster, Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. This pier burned in 1977 and Folly went without one for 18 years. The current Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier was built in 1995 and extends 1,045 into the ocean.

In the late 1980’s many of South Carolina’s beach communities made it difficult, if not impossible, for non-residents to access the beaches.  In contrast, Folly’s “everyone’s welcome ” attitude attracted artists, bohemians, hippies and families by providing a friendly, affordable place to visit.

On September 22, 1989 Hurricane Hugo devastated Folly Beach. At that time, Hurricane Hugo was the strongest storm to strike the U.S. in 20 years. On Folly 109 houses were destroyed, with many others experiencing extensive damage. A famous attraction, “The Boat” washed ashore during Hugo and sits in the same spot that was left in after the storm. No one ever claimed it and it became a monument to what Folly Beach residents endured from the storm. Prominently on view as you enter Folly from the mainland it is now the centerpiece for making announcements, marriage proposals, sports victories or ANYTHING else that can be written with a can of paint and and something to say!  With multiple paintings per week dedicated to all sorts of different occasions you can be sure that this unusual “bulletin board ” is something that is a favorite for the locals.

The infamous surf spot, “The Washout” got its name when Hurricane Hugo washed out several homes and much of the nearby land. The silver lining is that this created some of the most favorable surf conditions on the East coast and another legendary spot on Folly.

Folly remains a popular beach vacation spot. If you get the chance – come to “The Edge of America” and experience all that it has to offer for yourself. 

NOTE:  Need a place to stay? Our portfolio of luxury vacation rentals includes luxury Folly Beach Rentals that range from beachfront to Private black bottom pools  …