Johns Island, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Johns Island, also spelled John's Island, is the largest island in the U.S. State of South Carolina
. It is one of the many Sea Islands
along the coast of South Carolina
.
and to the east of Wadmalaw Island and inshore of Seabrook Island
and Kiawah Island
. It is separated from the mainland by the tidal Stono River, which forms part of the Intracoastal Waterway
. Roughly one-third of the island is within the city limits of Charleston
. The island is home to the Angel Oak
, a 1400 year old Southern live oak
tree, and is also known for its tomato farms. The population of John's Island is growing because of its proximity to Charleston. Despite substantial and vocal opposition to development, it is rapidly changing from a rural farming community to a suburban bedroom community. The 2007 census reported a population of 13,943. The island has a land area of 216.83 km² (83.72 sq mi), making it the fourth largest island on the east coast of the United States
and the 61st largest island in the United States.
The island was originally occupied by Native American tribes, including the Kiawah, before the English settlers reached Charleston. The island later was crossed over by the British in their siege of Charleston, and was the site of several skirmishes in the Civil War.
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. It is one of the many Sea Islands
Sea Islands
The Sea Islands are a chain of tidal and barrier islands on the Atlantic Ocean coast of the United States. They number over 100, and are located between the mouths of the Santee and St. Johns Rivers along the coast of the U.S...
along the coast of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
.
Background
Johns Island is located to the west of James IslandJames Island (South Carolina)
James Island is one of South Carolina's most urban Sea Islands. The island is separated from peninsular downtown Charleston by the Ashley River, from the mainland by Wappoo Creek and the Wappoo Cut, and from Johns Island by the Stono River...
and to the east of Wadmalaw Island and inshore of Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island, South Carolina
Seabrook Island is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,250 at the 2000 census.As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
and Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah is a sea island, or barrier island, on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Located south of Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina, it is operated today largely as a beach and golf resort — the Kiawah Island Golf Resort — with spacious villas, beaches, large and acclaimed golf...
. It is separated from the mainland by the tidal Stono River, which forms part of the Intracoastal Waterway
Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway is a 3,000-mile waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Some lengths consist of natural inlets, salt-water rivers, bays, and sounds; others are artificial canals...
. Roughly one-third of the island is within the city limits of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
. The island is home to the Angel Oak
Angel Oak
The Angel Oak is a Southern live oak tree located in Angel Oak Park, in Charleston, South Carolina, on Johns Island, one of South Carolina's Sea Islands. It is estimated to be in excess of 1500 years old, stands tall, measures in circumference, and shades with its crown an area of...
, a 1400 year old Southern live oak
Southern live oak
Quercus virginiana, also known as the southern live oak, is a normally evergreen oak tree native to the southeastern United States. Though many other species are loosely called live oak, the southern live oak is particularly iconic of the Old South....
tree, and is also known for its tomato farms. The population of John's Island is growing because of its proximity to Charleston. Despite substantial and vocal opposition to development, it is rapidly changing from a rural farming community to a suburban bedroom community. The 2007 census reported a population of 13,943. The island has a land area of 216.83 km² (83.72 sq mi), making it the fourth largest island on the east coast of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and the 61st largest island in the United States.
The island was originally occupied by Native American tribes, including the Kiawah, before the English settlers reached Charleston. The island later was crossed over by the British in their siege of Charleston, and was the site of several skirmishes in the Civil War.
Education
- Charleston Collegiate SchoolCharleston Collegiate SchoolCharleston Collegiate School is a co-educational, nonsectarian, independent day school organized by Lower School , Intermediate Level , Middle School , and Upper School . It offers a college-preparatory curriculum. The school has an enrollment of approximately 220 students, with a minority...
is one of the independent schools on the island; it serves students in the Charleston area in grades K4-12. - Angel Oak Elementary School
- Mount Zion Elementary School
- Haut Gap Middle School
- St. John's High School
- Capers Preparatory Christian Academy
External links
- Charleston Chamber of Commerce
- The Golf Club at Briar's Creek, an Audubon Signature Sanctuary
- Move to Johns Island, visitors authority resource site
- Charleston County School District