Sea Islands

Chain of islands lying off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina, between Winyah Bay, the Grand Strand, and the mouth of the St Johns River. Sea Island cotton was formerly the principal crop, but it was almost wiped out by the boll weevil. Rice and market-garden crops are grown on the low, marshy land; fishing and tourism are also important.

Originally inhabited by the Guale and Cusabo Indians, some as early as 2500 BC, the islands were explored and partially colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century. Most of the islands were once privately owned retreats of wealthy families, but several are now parks or wildlife refuges. After the American Civil War (1861-65) the land was divided between newly freed slaves. The largest town is Beaufort.