Morris Is. deemed most 'endangered'

Charleston Post & Courier ^ | 02/24/2004 | Bo Petersen

[mass55th]

Morris Island will move to the top of a list of endangered Civil War battlefields today in response to plans to develop it.

The national Civil War Preservation Trust does not numerically rank its priority list, but "Morris Island is at the very top," trust official Jim Campi said. The nonprofit trust, which updates its list annually, previously included the battlefield in a broader top-25 list because of tidal erosion.

The barrier island between Fort Sumter and Folly Beach was the site where Citadel cadets fired one of the first shots of the war at Fort Sumter, and its Battery Wagner was the site of an attack by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. The attack by the black regiment was portrayed in the movie "Glory."

Federal troops lost more than 1,500 men in attacks trying to claim the battery as a key to retaking Fort Sumter and Charleston. In 1900, Sgt. William H. Carney became the first black soldier to win the Medal of Honor when he was honored for his part in the July 18, 1863, battle at Battery Wagner.

Greenville developer Harry Huffman wants to build more than 20 luxury homes on the island. He has applied for a state permit for wells and septic tanks on 62 of the 125 acres of high ground known as Cummings Point, the part of the island most visible from Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor.

A large portion of the undeveloped island is used as a dredge disposal site. Much of Battery Wagner and a second battery have washed into the ocean, but enough remains that the battlefield could be preserved for visits, Campi said.

Campi cited published comments by Ed Bearrs, a retired National Park Service historian who has toured the island. Bearrs said a flank of the battery and the site of a 200-pound cannon that bombarded Charleston remain identifiable.

Huffman said he plans to preserve more than half of the point, including the remains of the sites. "They will always be open for tours and the public at large who desire to visit the battlefield."

The developer plans houses that would resemble 1850s-era homes that a Civil War-era drawing show as being on the island. There would be no paved roads and no cars, he said, and residents would reach the island by boat.

The Morris Island Coalition, comprising historic groups, preservation trusts and the Coastal Conservation League, is concerned about the impact development would have on the historic nature of the site, the view and the environment.

Blake Hallman, of the coalition, said members would like to see archeological studies for pre-Colonial, Colonial and Civil War artifacts. "Until that's done, it's too early to discuss a compromise. The facts need to be put on the table before (development) happens."

Hallman and Megan Terebus of the conservation league said the national trust designation will raise public awareness of the national significance of the island and could help the coalition raise funds. Hallman said the coalition hopes to be able to preserve the island after stopping an expected rezoning request to Charleston County that would allow the homes to be built.

A plan by another developer to build 43 homes on the island was withdrawn in 2000 after opposition arose.

The island is regularly toured by historic and nature groups. It is a popular boating destination for shell collecting and viewing the Morris Island Lighthouse, which is in the water between the island and Folly Beach.

Bo Petersen can be reached at bopete@postandcourier.com or 745-5852.

[mass55th]

Last night I received the following email:

Dear Friend of Morris Island:

We need your help.

The developer is moving ahead with his plans to develop Morris Island. Recently he applied for a state permit to allow 20 wells and septic tanks on 62 acres on Cummings Point. We need to let DHEC know that we oppose this permit request. Please send DHEC a letter opposing the permit application and requesting that a public hearing be held on this matter. Please send your comments now --- letters must be received by February 29, 2004.

Please send this to everyone in your address book who you feel may have an interest in not only preserving this historical ground, but in preserving the quality of our waters for generations to come. Together we can save Morris Island!

Thank you!

For additional information click on the following links:

Morris Island Coalition (Includes Petition to sign): Click Here

The State Newspaper Article Dated February 22, 2004: Click Here

The Times and Democrat:  Click Here

Civil War Preservation Trust - Ten Most Endangered Battlefields in the U.S.: Click Here

Here are some photographs of Morris Island I took some years ago:

This view is looking south towards the Morris Island Lighthouse. The July 18th, 1863 charge of the 54th Mass. came from this direction.

My back is to the ocean, and I'm looking toward the west side of Morris Island.

Another view looking south. The Lighthouse is just to the left of the tall Palmetto Tree.

Looking north on Morris Island. The Fort Moultrie Lighthouse is just barely visible to the left of the Palmetto stump (2nd on the right ).

This picture is from the northern most point (Cummings Point) on Morris Island. Fort Sumter is seen in the background.

[Mudboy Slim]

Save Morris Island at all costs...MUD

[Between the Lines]

From: Homes proposed for Morris Island

Yaschik Development Co. of Charleston bought Morris Island for about $3 million during a foreclosure proceeding in the mid-1980s.

For several years, Yaschik has discussed selling Cummings Point with local, state and federal organizations or governments. Up until a year ago, the Trust for Public Land, a conservation group, held an option to buy.

"We've made every effort to keep this property in the public domain, absent of giving it away," said Yaschik President Tom Ervin.

Last year, U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings, D-S.C., announced that he included $4 million dollars in the federal budget for purchase of Morris Island.

By then, however, the option held by the Trust for Public Land had expired, according to Slade Gleaton of the group.

The city of Charleston also has supported purchase of the island with money from a new half-cent sales tax. Voters approved the tax, but the Supreme Court later ruled the sales tax election illegal.

It would seem that most every attempt has been made at saving Morris Island and has come up short. As long as this property remains in private hands, I will have to respect the rights of the property owner.

[dixie sass]

When my mother was a girl you could drive on the front beach at Folly Beach. Now, like the Isle of Palms, it is becoming a trashy tourist mecca.

I remember when the north end of the Isle of Palms was nothing but jungle. Where you could park your car and walk just a few dozen yards and you couldn't see anything of civilization. Which, I guess is why the the Goat Man moved out there with his wife and herd of goats.

Isle of Palms is nothing but tacky now. People have built million dollar homes right on the waterfront and then bitch and complain whenever there is a hurricane and the home are damaged and swept away. Insurance costs go up and more bitching and complaing ensues. The people who care about the SC Coast sit with their thumbs stuck up their you know what and don't do anything...

That is the fate of Folly Beach... I can hear the developers now - Let them eat dirt! The only thing they want is the money, they could care less that in a few years with over development Folly will be swept away.

They don't call Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island, Pawleys Island, Defuskie Island, Hilton Head, etc., barrier islands for nothing.

[Landru]

A >ping< young Lady.

...a FYI.