Tourists exploring the shores of Edisto Island, South Carolina, recently stumbled upon “historically significant” human remains believed to be from a long-forgotten burial site. The discovery, made near the Jeremy Cay gated community, was initially thought to be fossils but was later identified as human remains by local authorities. The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) confirmed the find in a May 24 press release, describing it as an active investigation.
The site, located approximately half a mile from shore, is said to have once been home to the 19th-century settlement known as Edingsville Beach. Officials noted that the remains may have originated from a burial site that predated European settlement in the area. The Colleton County Coroner’s Office has taken custody of the remains, which are currently being processed at the Medical University of South Carolina for identification. At this time, the identity of the individual and the circumstances around their death remain unknown.
Edisto Island, situated south of Charleston, is one of several Sea Islands in the Palmetto State. It was first inhabited by Europeans in the 17th century. Prior to European settlement, the island was inhabited by indigenous peoples. The discovery has raised interest in the region’s rich historical heritage, with officials working closely with the Coroner’s Office and other agencies to determine the origins of the remains. The site has been secured as a crime scene, pending further investigation.
Edingsville Beach, once a popular seaside destination for wealthy Charleston residents before the Civil War, was later abandoned by planters who went bankrupt during the war. African American sharecroppers and farmers eventually took over the buildings, but many of the structures were destroyed by hurricanes in the late 19th century. The recently discovered remains are among the last traces of the once-thriving community.
South Carolina, as one of the original Thirteen Colonies, is home to many historically significant sites. Earlier this year, a group of veterans gathered in Kershaw County to excavate a Revolutionary War battlefield, where the remains of multiple Revolutionary War soldiers were found. The discovery on Edisto Island has sparked renewed interest in the area’s history and its connection to the broader narrative of the American colonial and Civil War eras.