Dewees Island

Coordinates: 32°50′25″N 79°42′59″W / 32.84028°N 79.71639°W / 32.84028; -79.71639 Dewees Island is a barrier island about 11 miles north of Charleston, South Carolina. The island is over 1,200 acres (4.9 km²). The inlet between it and the Isle of Palms is shown on early maps as Spence's Inlet, but is today called Dewees Inlet.

The island is privately owned and accessible only by ferry or private boat. Located on intercoastal waterway, the island and its surrounding area is home to great fishing. Red Fish and flounder are two of the most popular fishes on Dewees. Blue Crab, oysters, and clams are also easily found.

The island is named for William Dewees, who, refusing to accept British rule when Charleston fell, was expelled from the city and took up residence on the island.

Over time the island has been home to Indians, Revolutionary War soldiers, and Civil War blockades. It has a World War II submarine tower.

Dewees Island residents during the 1800s were represented primarily as oystermen and farmers in census records. In the 1800s rice planters began farming on Dewees.

Before 1898 land ownership on Dewees Island was complicated by wars, legal disputes and uncertainty. In 1898 John Murphy, a Charleston contractor and alderman, purchased land on the island and became the single owner. On the island Murphy grew artichokes, cane for chairs and raised pigs. Contracted workers harvested oysters and clams. Murphy owned a steamship, Undine, which he used to visit the island.

In the 1970s a few vacation homes were built on the island. in 1991 Knott, a developer teamed with the Royalls, R. Kennedy IV and others to form an investment group aimed at developing and preserving the island. It has been developed as an environmentally-conscious residential community designed to live in harmony with its natural surroundings. When Dewees is completely developed, over 95% of the island will remain in its natural state. Only 150 homesites will be constructed. Real estate prices range from $330,000 to $2,200,000. Dewees is home to numerous alligators, and many can be seen around the swamp area outside the Huyler House.