Explore History on James Island with New Driving Tour!
Exciting news is on the horizon for those who live on or are visiting James Island, South Carolina! If you’ve ever wanted to dive deeper into the island’s rich connection to the Revolutionary War, now is your chance. Thanks to a generous $12,000 grant from South Carolina 250—an initiative created by the state General Assembly in 2018—James Island is about to unveil a remarkable new historic driving tour that promises to be both educational and fun.
Uncovering Local History
Mayor Brook Lyons is particularly enthusiastic about this development. She says, “The interest in that history and the founding of our country, and so much of it started right here is just really important to focus on that.” Many residents might not be aware of the pivotal events that unfolded on this charming island, and that’s where the tour comes in. It’s designed to highlight a total of eight significant stops that are steeped in historical importance.
Lyons continued, “There’s so many special places on James Island of historical significance, and this is a great way to highlight eight of the most significant ones.” The hope is that both locals and tourists will walk away with a deeper understanding of the island’s role in American history.
A Community Effort
The journey to make this tour a reality didn’t happen overnight; it took about a year of brainstorming, planning, and hard work. Fortunately, with the help of the grant, the team was able to make significant progress in a short period of time. Michael Williams, Co-Chair of the History Commission, noted how crucial the funding was, saying, “They took the bull by the horns and went forward and got a grant and found some fantastic people to help with the project.”
Recently, the town celebrated this milestone with a private event that brought together over 60 people from the community. It was a heartfelt occasion honoring the voice actors and others who made the tour possible. “It preserves history and it’s educational, and it’s just a real tribute to our staff and committee members how we can all pull together,” Lyons remarked, highlighting the collaborative efforts at play.
How It Works
Now, you might be wondering how exactly this driving tour will work. It’s pretty simple! As you explore the island, you will be able to scan a QR code found in the brochure. This gives you free access to audio recordings that explain each stop along the way while you drive around. This setup is especially beneficial for folks who may not be able to take part in traditional walking or carriage tours found in nearby Charleston.
Williams emphasized the uniqueness of this tour by stating, “You know over here you got Charleston across the Harbor, but this is James Island, this is where the Stamp Act, or where the stamps were torn up, which was a precursor to the Revolutionary War.” It’s not every day you can engage with history in such an interactive manner!
Get Ready for an Adventure!
This new historic driving tour is all set to be a game changer for James Island. It opens up a whole new world of exploration and is certain to attract both history buffs and casual visitors alike. So, gather up your friends, family, or even just your curiosity! Soon you’ll be able to learn about the incredible stories hidden in every corner of James Island while enjoying a pleasant drive.
Keep your eyes peeled for more details about the launch of this tour, and get ready to embark on a historic journey like no other. James Island is ready to show you its past while you enjoy its present!
