Kiawah Island is a beautiful place located in South Carolina. It is known for its amazing beaches and luxurious resorts. But what many people don’t know is that Kiawah Island has a rich history that dates back to the early 1600s. In this blog post, we will take a brief look at the history of Kiawah Island and explore some of the events that have shaped it into the wonderful place it is today.
Photo by Sol Photography
But first, if you’re looking for a Kiawah Island wedding planner (or just a destination wedding in South Carolina), working with Engaging Events is the solution for you!
Okay, let’s get started.
The Kiawah Natives
Kiawah Island is a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. The island is named for the Kiawah Indigenous People, who inhabited the island before the 1670 arrival of the English in South Carolina. The name “Kiawah” comes from the Natives’ own language and means “shell people.” The Kiawah Natives were known for their skill in making shells into jewelry, tools, and other objects.
They also built their houses out of shells, which they gathered from the island’s beaches. The Kiawah Natives lived on the island until the early 1700s. Today, Kiawah Island is a popular vacation destination, known for its beautiful beaches and golf courses.
Photo by Jenna Marie Photography
Plantation
The plantation era of Kiawah Island ran from 1717 to 1950. The island was originally settled by Captain Raynor and Captain Davis, but John Stanyarne purchased both halves of the island in 1717 and 1737. He began the practice of using slave labor to raise cattle and produce crops, which continued until slavery was abolished.
In 1950, the last plantation owner left the island, and Kiawah began its transition to a resort destination. Today, the island is home to luxury hotels and golf courses, but its history as a plantation is still evident in its sprawling oak forests and sandy beaches.
The Island Changes Hands
Long before Kiawah Island wedding planners were around, Kiawah Island has had a long and rich history, dating back to its days as a Lords Proprietary. The island was first settled by Captain George Raynor, who established a small plantation near the banks of the Ashley River. Not long after, the island came under the control of William Davis, who began to develop the island as a resort destination. John Stanyarne, another early settler, built a tavern on the island, which quickly became a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Throughout the years, the island has been home to several families, including the Gibbs and Vanderhost families. The Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 both played a role in shaping the island’s history. Kiawah Island is truly a place with a unique and storied past.
The Resort Community is Created
Nowadays, Kiawah Island is a world-renowned resort community located just off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. In 1976, the Kiawah Island Resort opened its doors to the public, offering world-class amenities such as two swimming pools, two restaurants, and a bar. In addition, the resort featured the Marsh Point golf course designed by Gary Player.
Since its inception, the Kiawah Island Resort has undergone tremendous growth and development, attracting visitors from all over the world. Today, the resort is home to a variety of luxury hotels, condominiums, and private homes, all nestled amongst miles of pristine beaches and award-winning golf courses. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Kiawah Island has something for everyone.
Photo by Chelsea Paige Photography
PGA Championship
Kiawah Island has a long history of hosting golf tournaments, dating back to the 1970s. In 2012, the island made headlines when it hosted the PGA Championship, one of professional golf’s four major championships. The tournament was held at the Ocean Course, a stunning 18-hole course designed by Pete Dye. And then in 2021, Kiawah Island again hosted the PGA Championship.
The island has also hosted the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, and the Charleston Open. With its beautiful scenery and challenging courses, Kiawah Island is quickly becoming one of the most popular golf destinations in the world.
Weddings on Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island is a popular destination for weddings, offering a variety of venues and locations to choose from. From intimate beachside ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions, the island has something for everyone.
Photo by Jenna Marie Photography
Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large celebration, Kiawah Island has the perfect setting for your special day. If you’re looking for a Kiawah Island wedding planner, Engaging Events is here to help. We specialize in creating one-of-a-kind weddings that are truly unforgettable.
Photos by Emily Baucom Photography
Reach out today to see how we can help make your dream wedding a reality!