Dock Debate on Morris Island

By Tim Gehret
Reporter
Published: October 13, 2008

Some consider Morris Island a place to party in the summer. To others, it’s a place with deep meaning and history.

For Joseph McGill, it’s hallowed ground.

“The history of Morris Island is quite important to me as an African American what happened here July18th of 1863,” he says.

In fact, about five times a year, McGill brings others to this Civil War battleground where some of his ancestors lost their lives.

“It’s important for them to come out here physically to see it feel it and smell it.”

But Monday’s trip was as much political as it is educational.

“When we drove out here today,” said one person, “you could almost feel the history.”

“But when you get that feeling,” responded Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard, “The first thing that comes to your mind is you don’t want to keep it to yourself you want to share it.”

Charleston City leaders want to put a couple of docks on the island so that boat tours can come and go without these kinds of situations. But activists fear the docks will open the door for more development which they say would destroy it down the road.

But the issue goes much deeper than just boat docks. Some have even argued there could be some benefit. The point of those trying to save Morris Island is to make sure those who do come here know where they are.

“I’m not so sure all those people on the fourth of July even know where they are. They think they’re at the beach,” said another man.

Morris Island was sold to the City of Charleston in May of 2008 $3,000,000. But the sale had stipulations which allow the developer to build docks, trails, and restrooms.