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History

Colonial era (1670-1776)

Johns Island was originally inhabited by nomadic tribes of Native Americans, such as the Kiawah, who survived off the land by hunting . By the time that the Europeans arrived to the area, these tribes were already settled and farming off the land . The Native America tribes in this area included the Stono and the Bohicket. The Stono Indians and the European settlers appeared to at first have good relations. However, after not understanding the concept of domesticated animals, the Stono killed some of the European’s livestock, presuming that it was wild game. In retaliation of the killed livestock, the Europeans murdered several Indians. Johns Island had scattered settlements that were situated near the water by the 1670s. Maps dated from 1695 and 1711 show plantations established on the banks of the Stono River . During the colonial period, the main crop that was produced was Indigo, prized for its rich blue dye. The plantations that grew crops, including indigo, were supported by slave labor. The Stono Rebellion, which occurred on Johns Island in 1739, began as a an attempt by a group of slaves to escape to Spanish Florida, where they were promised freedom. Beginning in the early morning hours of September 9th, 1739, a group of about twenty slaves met near the Stono River, lead by a slave named Jemmy. The group than proceeded to the Stono Bridge and raided Hutchinson's Store. They took food, ammunitions, and supplies. The group of slaves then proceeded to kill the two shop keepers and leave their heads on the front steps of the store. The slaves then crossed the Stono River and proceeded to rally more as they began to walk to Spanish Florida. The slave group met with Lieutenant Governor William Bull and four of his comrades also traveling on the road. Seeing the situation at hand, Lieutenant Governor Bull and his companies rallied other plantation owners to help put down the opposition. The plantation owners attacked and put down the resistance and executed all who could not proved that they were forced to join the march.

American Revolution (1776-1785)

The American Revolutionary War arrived to Johns Island in May of 1779 with British troops arriving under the command of General Augustine Prevost. General Prevost established a small forced to remain on the island, headed by Lieutenant Colonel John Maitland. Under the command of Sir Henry Clinton, more troops landed on Seabrook Island, beginning February 11th, 1780. Clinton’s goal was to cross across Johns Island and James Island and lay siege to Charleston. Clinton’s army crossed the Stono River and set up temporary headquarters at Fenwick Hall. Moving to James Island and then crossing the Ashley River to Charleston, Clinton was able to surround the city. Charleston surrended to British forces on May 12th, 1780.

Civil War

The Battle of Bloody Bridge, also known as Burden's Causeway, took place on Johns Island in July 1864. The site of the battle is off of River Road, just north of the Charleston Executive Airport. On July 2nd 1864, Brigadier General John Hatch's troops landed in the Legareville section of Johns Island . Hatch wanted to cross Johns Island and cross the Stono River in order to lay siege on James Island. The Union troops met the Confederate troops where the creek turns into swamp. Around 2,000 South Carolina soldiers held off a Union force of roughly 8,000 men. After three days of fighting, Hatch's troops left the island.

Attractions

The Angel Oak

The Angel Oak is a live oak tree believed to be over 1,400 years old, located on Johns Island. The oak is 65 feet tall with a circumference of 25.5 feet. The Angel Oak is the oldest tree east of the Mississippi River. The Angel Oak stands on part of the land given to Jacob Waight in 1717 as part of a land grant. Today, the Angel Oak Park provides visitors a close look at the tree, free of charge. The park area is complete with a gift shop and picnic tables.

Libraries and Museums

Johns Island Branch Library

The Johns Island Branch Library is part of the Charleston County Public Library network, located off of Maybank Highway. The $4.3 million library is the largest of the Charleston County Public Library network and opened on October 24th, 2004.The library was built to serve Johns Island, Wadamalaw Island, Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island. Planning of the library took five years, with the groundbreaking of the project occurring in December 2003. At 16,000 square feet, the library is more than twice the size of the county's normal library branches.

Churches

Johns Island Presbyterian Church

Johns Island Presbyterian Church, located off of Bohicket Road, was first built in 1719. The church began as part of Reverend Archibald Stobo's plan to create five presbyterian churches in the rural areas of South Carolina. Notably, it is one of the oldest churches in the United States built from a wood frame. Johns Island Presbyterian underwent expansions in 1792 and 1823. The church is open to the public and offers tours and part of the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the church is under the direction of Reverend Jon Van Deventer .

Sports and Outdoor Recreation

Mullet Hall Equestrian Center

Mullet Hall Equestrian Center is located on Mullet Hall Road on Johns Island. With 738 acres and 20 miles of trails, it is home to equestrian competitions, festivals, and events. Planning for the Mullet Hall Equestrain Center began in 2000 The center includes four show rings, 1 Grand Prix ring, 40 acres of grass fields, 196 horse stalls and both jumping and lunging areas.

Festivals and Events

Battle of Charleston Reenactment

The Battle of Charleston Reenactment is held at Legare Farms, located off of River Road, on Johns Island. The event includes battle reenactments, food, music, and culture of the 19th century, began in 2004. One of the battles reenacted during the event include's the Johns Island 1864 "Battle of Bloody Bridge".