Brief History of James Island, A: Jewel of the Sea Islands

by Douglas W. Bostick

In this engaging volume, local historian Douglas Bostick reveals the unacknowledged history of the second community in South Carolina, settled in 1671. Whether investigating prehistoric clues about Native American life before European settlement, detailing the history of agriculture and the reign of King Cotton, following armies from multiple wars or chronicling the triumph of equality on the greens of Charleston's Municipal Golf Course, Bostick tells the story of James Island as only a native son can. Join Bostick as he brings this small jewel of an island out of Charleston's shadow and into the light of its own rich, historic assets.

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

Douglas W. Bostick is an eighth-generation South Carolinian. He is the executive director & CEO of the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust and director of the South Carolina Liberty Trail.

Reviews

[Abbey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh - very brief and very white. I learned more at the McLeod plantation itself. The pictures are cool, and I finally (though unconfirmed) know why it got its name, but otherwise…it’s 150 pages but there are 2 chapters just on golf? There was nothing else to discuss?

[Tracy Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a James Islander, I loved reading about the history of my community!

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting history information about Charleston, James Island, and what these places were known as in the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as pre-colonial history, involving indigenous peoples. I really enjoyed the sections on the 19th and 20th. centuries, particularly the Civil War and ante- and post-bellum periods. So many family names are mentioned and stories about members of these families color the text. There are sections on agriculture, boating, the American Revolution, and religious practice. There is a long section on golfing and golf clubs which seemed a little bit over-the-top, but the story about Jack White and his fight to be able to golf on the Municipal Course, being an African-American man but also a veteran, a former U.S. Naval Service Member, was really fascinating and inspiring. The photos and images in the book are really good at helping fill out the story. I hope to read other books by this author, as I’ve learned he’s authored many other southern history books, and I’m a fan.