Historical sketch of James Island (Charleston County, S.C.) re geography, native flora and fauna, previous inhabitants, impact of Civil War; and island life during later 19th century; [written, 1888?, by Robert E. Mellichamp; transcribed 1895]. Topics discussed include Native American settlements and a shell ring; antebellum agriculture (including indigo and Sea Island cotton); Fort Johnson and Secessionville as summer resorts; known residents of the island in 1860; buildings destroyed by Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War; the United States Army garrison at Fort Johnson; and livestock raised by antebellum planters. Other topics include canoes and boats built and raced by African-American slaves; two churches destroyed by fire in 1864: a Presbyterian church constructed ca. 1846-1849 and the St. James Protestant Episcopal Church; burial grounds used by African-American and white inhabitants of the island; an antebellum "Free School" used by white children of the island; destruction of buildings on the island by Confederate forces following the forced civilian evacuation in the summer of 1862; names of island residents who volunteered for Confederate service; and planter families who returned to the island after the Civil War. First page of manuscript includes notation "Transcribed from Manuscript on Back of Map of James Island belonging to Wm. G. Hinson. Map and History done by Robert E. Mellichamp, 1888." Last page includes note, 12 June 1895, by Burt G. Wilder, former Surgeon of the 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and professor at Cornell University and elsewhere re: his "topographic inquiries" on the island performed between 9 and 12 March 1895.
