SULLIVAN’S ISLAND
Overview
Sullivan's Island is your typical beach town. It has miles of public beach, a pleasant village center with restaurants, shops and quaint beach cottages making it a wonderful place to visit and live.
A summertime escape for Charlestonians since colonial times, the fabled island was scene of the first great battle of the Revolution, and later inspired stories by Edgar Allan Poe. Many of the grand old beach houses are on half-acre lots surrounded by swaying myrtle and palmetto trees, yet there is plenty of new construction real estate as well, including geodesic-domed residences built for wind resistance. Situated at the confluence of Charleston harbor and the Atlantic Ocean, Sullivan’s Island provides sensational views of the historic city, passing ships and sailboats, as well as scores of dolphins and shorebirds that frequent its shoreline.
Just 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, it has become a year-round residence to area professionals and business owners. These residents are actively involved in their community and the Sullivan's Island Elementary school. The residents' involvement in their local school has made it one of the best in the state and Dunes Properties is a proud financial sponsor.
History
Sullivan's Island is a small town with a rich history. On the May 31, 1776, twenty British ships appeared off the South Carolina coast. Locals had known for months that a fleet was dispatched to operate in southern waters, and it was only a matter of time before Charleston was the object of British intentions.
On the June 28, 1776, the battle of Sullivan's Island became the first Patriot victory of the Revolutionary War. A sizable British fleet and army were beaten in a decisive way, and British pride was seriously wounded. Word was rushed to Congress in Philadelphia by a single horse-borne messenger; as news spread throughout the nation, there was rejoicing everywhere.
For generations, the gallant defense of Sullivan's Island was commemorated with festivities recalling our nation's struggle for liberty and freedom. To Carolinians, June 28 was Independence Day.
The Revolution was not the only war to impact Sullivan's Island. Fort Moultrie, positioned to protect Charleston Harbor, saw the earliest action of the Civil War. Bunkers and battlements face the beach over a significant stretch of the island and were used by U.S. forces in World War II to watch for German submarines. Between the bunkers and Fort Moultrie is an avenue lined with huge old homes that served as officer's quarters until mid-century.
Lifestyle
Sullivan's Island is more bedroom community than military town, but our history is inescapable. The public library juts out from the bunkers. Our elementary school, one of the best in the Southeast, stands lookout over the same shipping channels the soldiers sought to protect. A man-made mountain of bunkers and underground tunnels rise over the town park..
Sullivan's Island did not sustain as much damage as neighboring Isle of Palms from Hurricane Hugo. The island retained more of the older homes and the live oaks that shade them. There are no hotels or multi-family housing here; Sullivan's Island is residential community, one tightly integrated in the ebb and flow of Charleston history.
Amenities
Two miles of white sand beach for swimming and sunbathing.
A park with tennis courts, a playground, soccer fields and a gazebo.
Restaurants and pubs line two blocks of Middle Street.
Golf courses are nearby in Mt. Pleasant and the Isle of Palms.
In-season Oyster Roasts hosted by various Sullivan's Island organizations.
A full-service marina just across the Waterway at Marsh Harbor (Toler's Cove).
A couple of popular surfing spots and more down the road on Isle of Palms..
Fishing, crabbing and shrimping. You can't escape these popular Low Country activities.
Biking and rollerblading are also popular and safe forms of exercise on Sullivan's quiet residential streets.
