Folly Beach Didya Know?

Folly Beach, SC, has a rich and storied history that dates back to the 17th century. Here are some highlights:

Early History: The earliest record of Folly Beach dates back to 1696 when it was deeded as a royal grant1.

Pirate Era: Before the Civil War, the island was known as Coffin Island and was a favorite haunt for pirates due to its isolation from the mainland1.

Civil War: During the Civil War, Folly Beach became a stronghold for Union soldiers due to its strategic location near Charleston and Fort Sumter1.

Post-War Development: In the 20th century, Folly Beach established itself as a fiercely independent community. The original pavilion was built in the 1920s, and the island was rumored to be a hideout for bootleggers1.

Tourism Boom: The 1930s saw the construction of attractions like the Atlantic Pavilion, boardwalk, pier, and the Oceanfront Hotel, making Folly a top vacation destination1.

Musical Inspiration: The musical “Porgy and Bess” was written by George Gershwin while he stayed on the island in 19341.

Surfing Culture: The first surfboard was introduced to Folly in the 1960s, marking the beginning of the island’s surfing culture1.

Resilience: Despite setbacks like pier fires and the impact of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Folly Beach has continued to grow and rebuild