About Daufuskie Island

Daufuskie Island is a sea island located off the South Carolina coast, approximately one nautical mile west of Hilton Head Island’s Harbour Town.  In addition to the Atlantic Ocean, Daufuskie Island is bordered by the Cooper River and the Calibogue sound.  Over four hundred full time residents call Daufuskie Island home, while many others own second homes or vacation homes on the island, which is about five miles in length and two & one half miles wide.

Daufuskie Island enjoys a rich history that dates back to before the Revolutionary War.   During the Yemassee War, fought between 1715-1717, the island was the site of the famous battle, “the Daufuskie Fight.”  Until recent years, the island has been home to a significant population of native Gullah and Geechee inhabitants, descendants of freed slaves who settled on the island after the Cival War.  Pat Conroy recounted his teaching experiences on the island (fictionalized as Yamacraw Island) in his 1972 work, The Water is Wide.

Today, Daufuskie Island offers residents and visitors alike a rich and unique blend of history and modern conveniences, while still holding on to echoes from the past.  The island is accessible only by boat or ferry service.  Many of the roads remain unpaved.  One of the Island’s oldest buildings, First Union African Baptist Church, is still in use as a place for worship.  The Haig Point and Bloody Point lighthouses, built in the late 1800’s, are historic landmarks and popular tourist sites as are the Tabby Ruins located in the Haig Point Community

Daufuskie Island is now divided into five sections, geographically.  In the northeast section is the Haig Point Club.  Haig Point is a private, member-owned community with more than 225 residences and about 150 permanent residents.  Amenities at Haig Point include a Rees Jones championship golf course, access via a private Ferry fleet, a tennis club complex, an equestrian center, casual and fine dining, and a beach club. 

South of Haig Point is the Melrose Community. This resort area was previously a private vacation club well-known for tennis and golf.  The resort is now open to the public.  On the southeastern side of the island lies Oakridge, an oceanfront residential community, and Bloody Point.  Oakridge is comprised of several oceanfront homes as well as a number of tracts of land available for custom building.  Bloody Point is a private residential community which shares amenities with Melrose.  Amenities include a beachfront hotel and cottages, a pool, golf and tennis.