Sullivan's Island

A small barrier-island town at the mouth of Charleston Harbor.

About Sullivan's Island

Sullivan's Island is a barrier island town in Charleston County at the northern entrance to Charleston Harbor. By land it is reached from Mount Pleasant over the Ben Sawyer Bridge, or from Isle of Palms across Breach Inlet on Jasper Boulevard.

On June 28, 1776, defenders in an unfinished fort of palmetto logs and sand on the island repelled an attack by British warships in the Battle of Sullivan's Island. The battle is commemorated each year as Carolina Day.

Fort Moultrie, part of Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, interprets American seacoast defense from the Revolution through World War II. The Charleston Light, also called the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, has guided mariners into the harbor since 1962.

Why Live in Sullivan's Island?

• Fort Moultrie and its visitor center on Middle Street, operated by the National Park Service, are right on the island.
• J. Marshall Stith Park has playgrounds, a covered picnic area, tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field and a gazebo, plus a historic bandstand built by the U.S. Army in 1905.
• Thomson Park at Breach Inlet sits on the beach between Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms and marks the site of Revolutionary War action in 1776.
• Annual Carolina Day programs at Fort Moultrie on the weekend closest to June 28.

The Sullivan's Island Market

Homes on Sullivan's Island come up rarely. Reach out to Pamela for a private, no-pressure conversation about buying or selling on the island.

Schools in Sullivan's Island

Sullivan's Island is served by the Charleston County School District. Sullivan's Island Elementary is among the district's East Cooper area elementary schools. Attendance zones can change, so confirm school assignments directly with the district.

Local Favorites

• Fort Moultrie (Historic site): 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482 — National Park Service site interpreting U.S. seacoast defense from the American Revolution to World War II, with a visitor center.
• J. Marshall Stith Park (Park): 2058 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC — Town park with playgrounds, a covered picnic area, tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field and a gazebo.
• Thomson Park at Breach Inlet (Park): Small park on the beach at Breach Inlet commemorating Revolutionary War action during the 1776 Battle of Sullivan's Island.
• Charleston Light (Sullivan's Island Lighthouse) (Landmark): Lighthouse dedicated in 1962 that guides mariners into Charleston Harbor; the tower is maintained by the National Park Service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sullivan's Island

How do you get to Sullivan's Island?

From Mount Pleasant via SC Highway 703 (Coleman Boulevard/Ben Sawyer Boulevard) and the Ben Sawyer Bridge, or from Isle of Palms across Breach Inlet on Jasper Boulevard.

What was the Battle of Sullivan's Island?

On June 28, 1776, patriot defenders under Colonel William Moultrie, inside an unfinished fort of palmetto logs and sand, held off an attack by nine British warships.

What is Carolina Day?

The annual commemoration of the Battle of Sullivan's Island. Fort Moultrie hosts Carolina Day events each year on the weekend closest to June 28.

Who takes care of the Sullivan's Island Lighthouse?

Ownership of the Charleston Light passed from the U.S. Coast Guard to the National Park Service in 2008. The Coast Guard still maintains the light itself, while the Park Service maintains the tower.

Which school district serves Sullivan's Island?

The Charleston County School District, which includes Sullivan's Island Elementary. Confirm assignments for a specific address with the district.