Sullivan's Island is home to 1,911 people, mostly white non-Hispanic (98%). Its ancestries English, Irish, German, United States, Scottish, and Scotch-Irish give you an idea of its cultural history. The island is east of the Copper River and a short drive from Charleston. Total area of the island is 3.32 square miles. The average annual rainfall is 49.38 inches, and the average temperatures are 81 degrees Fahrenheit in summer/47 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Sullivan Island's tourist favorites include its breathtaking shoreline, recreational facilities, community playgrounds and parks, jasmine and honeysuckle scents, and wildlife. Most homes are prettily located on waters, lagoons, and tidal creeks to oceanfront. There are also private or community pools, boat docks, and other water access. The island maintains industries for employment such as educational, health and social services, professional, administrative, and management, arts and entertainment, finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing. A popular favorite of locals and tourists are the island's historical lighthouses that serve as living relics of America's history.

Sullivan's Island

Indeed, there is much to be said about Sullivan Island's role in the history of South Carolina - back in 1776 to be exact. South Carolina, then, was at stake under Henry Clinton, who led the British troupes in hope of stretching the Continental forces by stationing themselves off the North Carolina waters. Sullivan Island was vulnerable - the British forces intended to attack from the northeastern end of Sullivan Island and crush its defenses. There was no sufficient weaponry against the British offense. Combining defenses of Fort Sullivan and that of the island's northeastern arms, there were merely 1,175 men in arms. This was no match to the British fleet: summing Henry Clinton and Peter Parker's troupes, who had a 262 armament count with 2,900 men and officers. At first thought, the battle was a bias to the British, but the Sullivan defenses proved to be too strong to bring down. Recklessly the British did not have adequate gunpowder supply. Because of poor planning and failure of the army and navy to cooperate, the British were shunned by humiliation and disgrace.

Prior to Sullivan Island's history, several lighthouses were "fortresses" of the Sullivan Island battle against the British.

Fort Moultrie (referred to Fort Sullivan before) was named after William Moultrie, who was one of the commanding officers in the Sullivan battle. It was rebuilt several times, and the third Fort Moultrie, built in 1809, still stands today.

Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, built in 1962, is the most modern monolithic lighthouse in the United States. It replaced the Morris Island light across the Charleston Harbor. The lighthouse, built with steel, girders and sheathed with aluminum panels, is 163-feet high. It is also the only lighthouse equipped with an elevator and fully-airconditioned. The first time it was lit in 1962, the high-intensity lamps put out 28,000,000 candlepower - too dangerous to sustain. In 1967, the lamps were reduced to 1,170,000 candlepower. It continuous to serve its purpose, as vanguard of sea travelers until today.

Every island has its treasure hunters, treasure map, red "X" marks, and treasure chests. In Sullivan Island, its treasures are more than just golds and silvers in chests and caskets. Its treasures are simple: historical memoirs of fighting against offensive arms, lighthouses that live until today as reminders South Carolina's strong fighting spirit, attractive water sports, fantastic shorelines, and a beach that will take your breath away with its coastal scent. Indeed, Sullivan Island is an "open treasure chest" opening its beauty to the world… These are far more precious than any rubies and emeralds that any "treasure hunter" will ever desire.