Colonial Lake (Charleston, South Carolina) facts for kids

Colonial Lake is a lovely tidal pond and park in Charleston, South Carolina. A tidal pond means its water level changes with the ocean's tides. Wide walkways surround the lake, making it a great place for a stroll. For many years, people called it the Rutledge Street Pond, or simply "The Pond." It officially became Colonial Lake in 1881. This name honors the "Colonial Commons," a public area set aside way back in 1768.

History of Colonial Lake

How the Lake and Park Began

This 1909 postcard image shows the houses along Rutledge Ave., viewed across Colonial Lake from Beaufain St.

The land where Colonial Lake and its park now sit was part of a larger public area. This area was set aside for everyone to use by a special law in 1768. The lake itself was created much later, in 1869. This happened when Lynch Street (now called Ashley Avenue) was extended south. This extension enclosed the area, forming the lake we see today.

Some people used to think the lake was built as a small boat harbor for farmers. However, this isn't true. It was most likely used as a mill pond for sawmills nearby.

Protecting Public Land

In 1872, maps showed that the northwest corner of Colonial Lake was open land. A few houses were built there. But by 1874, these houses were removed. This was done so that improvements to Colonial Lake could continue.

In 1875, a local mill owner tried to buy some of the land around the lake. But the people of Charleston strongly disagreed. They even filed a lawsuit to stop the sale. A judge agreed with the citizens. He ordered that all city-owned land around the lake must stay public. It was for the benefit of all Charlestonians. A special group was then created to look after the property.

The park around the lake was developed in the 1880s. By 1885, the lake had its current look. It had concrete edges and wide walkways on all four sides.

Fun Times at the Lake

Before the Parks Conservancy plans were implemented, the area surrounding the lake (shown here in 2014) was largely just grass.

In the past, a big event called "Gala Week" was held each fall. It included a fireworks show on the west side of the pond. People would fill the park and even get onto boats in the lake to watch. Boating was very popular at Colonial Lake. In 1910, the city even started requiring licenses for boats to keep things orderly.

That same year, fun boat and "tub" races began. Local boys would race in the lake, and winners received money! For a while, the lake was even closed off from the Ashley River with a wire screen. It was then stocked with fish for people to enjoy fishing.

Making the Park Better

By 1872, when the Bird's Eye View Map of Charleston was drawn, Ashley Ave. (then known as Lynch St.) had been completed, forming the western edge of Colonial Lake.

Improvements to Colonial Lake Park have happened consistently over the years. In 1902, the walkways were improved with stone pavement. More improvements were planned, but officials worried about security. So, in 1904, a police officer was assigned to the park.

In 1910, palmetto trees were planted along Ashley Avenue. More landscaping was also done. However, officials noticed that kids playing in the area were causing some damage. In 1911, the park's leaders announced new benches and forty water oak trees would be planted.

In 1938, someone suggested building a man-made island in the middle of the lake. They also wanted to stock it with saltwater fish to attract visitors. But local residents didn't like the idea, so it didn't happen. In 1972, fountains were installed to help keep the lake water healthy. But neighbors complained about saltwater spray, and the fountains often broke down. They were removed in 1977.

More recently, a private group called the Parks Conservancy announced plans to improve Colonial Lake in 2008. Their plans included making the nearby Rutledge Avenue narrower. They also wanted to add more formal landscaping around the lake. The plans were updated, and a big project began in January 2015. This four-million-dollar project was completed in early 2016, making Colonial Lake even more beautiful for everyone to enjoy.