Cole Island, South Carolina

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Cole Island is a barrier island with a 303-acre footprint in Charleston County, South Carolina, located southwest of Charleston on the Stono Inlet, between Folly Island and Kiawah Island. Cole Island and its surrounding wetlands are part of the Lowcountry's salt-marsh ecosystem. Historically, Cole Island was also referred to as Coles Island and Cole's Island. The island's historical significance derives from its strategic location. Cole Island was used to defend against maritime access from the Atlantic Ocean through the Stono Inlet during the War of 1812 and the American Civil War in an effort to protect Charleston. During the War of 1812, Fort Palmetto was constructed on Cole Island as a defensive fortress to defend Charleston against a British attack from its southwestern waterways. During the American Civil War, Cole Island was utilized again during a time of war by both the Confederate States of America and Union forces. During the Confederates' occupation, nine defensive batteries were constructed on Cole Island in an effort to defend the Stono Inlet from entry by the Union Navy. After the Confederates' abandonment in May 1862, the Union would occupy Cole Island and utilize it for attacks on Charleston and nearby barrier islands. A hurricane in 1911 destroyed many of the structures on Cole Island, including Fort Palmetto. The remains of Fort Palmetto are now parti

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