Edisto Island is treasured for its natural beauty, its beaches and creeks, its wildlife and its laid-back, easy way of life.

But, it is also treasured for its rich history that includes Native Americans, Spanish pirates, English settlers, wealthy cotton planters, enslaved African-Americans and many who made their living off of the bounty of the ocean and creeks.

To truly experience all that makes Edisto so special, be sure to include a visit to the Edisto Island Museum to learn more about our fascinating history.

The Museum is filled with artifacts and furnishings of many of the island’s most magnificent cotton plantations as well as a portion of one of the last remaining slave cabins on Edisto.

You will also find a large collection of Civil War artifacts as well as an original printing of the 1860 South Carolina Ordinance of Secession.

One of our most recent additions to our collection is an exhibit dedicated solely to the local Native American tribe, the Edisto Indians.

 

Our newest permanent exhibit, entitled "From Africa to Edisto Island: The Gullah Story," explores the rick Gullah culture that is unique to the sea islands, including Edisto Island. The main themes of the exhibit focus on Gullah language, foodways, arts, crafts and music, spirituality and folklore.

For a more detailed look at the history of Edisto’s plantations, click here for a map of the Plantations of Edisto Island.

We invite you to come to the Edisto Island Museum to learn more about the history of Edisto Island.