Edisto Island's historical legacy began with the imprint of the Edistow Indians-its first known occupants. The Spanish arrived in the 1500's, followed by English settlers in the 1600's. The English remained, first living off the sea, then cultivating money crops of rice and indigo. By 1790, planters turned to a long staple cotton, known as Sea Island cotton-one of the finest cottons ever produced. It was this crop that brought the great wealth to Edisto Islanders. Many of the elegant houses and plantations remaining today are reminders of that affluent age. These sites are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These private homes are put on tour once a year by the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society.
Edisto is a quiet family island-a gathering place to renew the spirit and familial ties. It is a place of little commercialization with responsible development. We place a premium on keeping nature unspoiled in a harmony of friendly people.
? South Carolina Indians ? The Edisto
Name: Edisto - also called Edistoe, Edistow, Adusta, Audusta, Orista, Oristanum - a Cusabo tribe