Island’s rich archeological history explored

Plenty, according to archaeologist Bailey, who spoke to the Daniel Island Business Association last Thursday. His Mount Pleasant firm, Brockington Cultural Resources Consulting, has unearthed dozens of Daniel Island sites indicating earlier human habitation.

In 1994, The Daniel Island Company asked Brockington to survey the island for historically important sites before construction commenced on the new master-planned community. The scientists concluded that humans have lived and farmed on the lush shores of the Wando and Cooper rivers for centuries. Subsequent excavations have uncovered artifacts from prehistoric civilizations as well as colonial and 19^th-century inhabitants.

There were even some surprises when they unearthed a Mississippian Etiwan farming village that thrived here in the 1500s.

"We found all kinds of peach pits, corn cobs, all kinds of things they were growing out there," Bailey said. "Peach pits and beans, things we didn’t know they were even doing then."

The Brockington firm founded The History Workshop last year, which shares its knowledge of archaeology, history, and our American heritage with the public. The workshop specializes in creating custom exhibits and displays with supplemental materials including websites, videos, interactive kiosks, brochures, presentations, and educational materials.

"Our idea is that education and information makes for good stewardship and benefits everyone," Bailey said.

For example, Georgetown’s Rice Museum recently expanded to include five exhibits on its second floor. Designed and installed by The History Workshop, this expansion highlights Georgetown’s multi-cultural history.

Bailey said his company is working with The Daniel Island Company to erect historical displays at Smythe Park near the new school as tributes to the various cultures that have lived here over the centuries. In addition, the city of Charleston has promised to erect historical information boards near the sales center and Family Circle Cup Tennis Center, which stands on the site of a former plantation.