James Island (South Carolina) facts for kids

Drawbridge over Wappoo Creek leading to James Island

Fort Johnson, with Fort Sumter in background

Dock with surrounding marshes on James Island

James Island is a busy sea island in South Carolina. Almost half of it is part of the city of Charleston. It's separated from downtown Charleston by the Ashley River. Wappoo Creek and Wappoo Cut separate it from the mainland. The Stono River separates it from Johns Island. It's located near Morris Island and Folly Beach.

James Island is famous for its role in the Civil War. Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the war were fired, is on an island just off James Island's eastern tip. The attack on Fort Sumter began from Fort Johnson, which is on James Island. Several important battles took place on the island itself. These include the Battle of Secessionville (1862), the Battle of Grimball's Landing (1863), and the Battle of Grimball's Causeway (1865). All these fights were also known as the "Battle of James Island."

During the American Revolutionary War, on November 14, 1782, a military leader named Tadeusz Kościuszko led a final action against the British on James Island. He was almost killed during this event. Later, the Continental Congress recognized his bravery and skill by making him a Brigadier General.

For a long time, James Island was mostly farmland. Many farms grew Sea Island cotton. After World War II, the island grew quickly. It became a place where people lived and commuted to work in Charleston.

Population and Government

As of the year 2000, about 33,781 people lived on James Island. About half of the island is part of the city of Charleston. The rest of the island includes the Town of James Island and other areas that are not part of any city.

There have been some disagreements about how parts of the island should be governed. The Town of James Island has tried to become its own town three times. Each time, the city of Charleston challenged this in court, and the town's efforts were stopped. However, a fourth attempt to form the Town of James Island was successful. The courts approved it, and the city of Charleston did not challenge it this time. So, there is now a legally formed Town of James Island.

The population of James Island is counted as part of the larger Charleston-North Charleston area. This area includes both the main city and its surrounding developed areas.

Education on James Island

The public schools on James Island are part of the Charleston County School District. Students attend various schools depending on their age.

• Elementary Schools: These include Harborview, Stiles Point, James Island, Murray-LaSaine, and Apple Charter Elementary Schools.
• Middle School: Students go to Camp Road Middle School.
• High School: James Island Charter High School serves older students. Their sports teams are called the Trojans, and their colors are blue and orange.

In the past, James Island had two high schools: Fort Johnson High (also the Trojans) and James Island High (the Rams). These two schools joined together in 1983. The combined school started its first year in 1983-1984.

Famous People from James Island

Many notable individuals have connections to James Island.

• Stephen Colbert: A well-known comedian and political commentator, Stephen Colbert lived on James Island for part of his childhood. He grew up there with his ten brothers and sisters.
• Langston Moore: A former professional football player for the NFL's Detroit Lions, Langston Moore attended James Island High School.
• Samuel Smalls: The real person who inspired the famous novel Porgy and the opera Porgy and Bess is buried in the cemetery next to the James Island Presbyterian Church.
• Gorman Thomas: A former Major League Baseball player, Gorman Thomas grew up on James Island. He played baseball for the original James Island High School team.
• Roddy White: A Pro Bowl wide receiver who played for the Atlanta Falcons, Roddy White also attended James Island High School.