Mount Pleasant in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Shell Rings and Shell Middens
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
1. Shell Rings and Shell Middens Marker - Front
(Front):Shell rings and shell middens found along the SC coast were made by Native Americans 3000-4000 years ago. Several have been discovered in the East Cooper area. The rings, composed largely of shell, animal bone and pottery were sometimes used as habitation sites. Some middens contain post holes, structural remains and large pits used to steam shellfish.
(Reverse):
The main purpose of the rings remains a mystery. They may have been the gradual accumulation of shell and refuse at the sites, perhaps built for ceremonial purposes or created as public monuments. The nature of the rings suggests that inhabitants successfully harvested natural resources which allowed nomadic bands eventually to settle at permanent locations.
Erected 2004.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Native Americans.
Location. 32° 51.168′ N, 79° 46.904′ W. Marker is in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in Charleston County. Marker is at the intersection of
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sweetgrass Baskets (approx. 1.1 miles away); Brickyard Plantation (approx. 1.2 miles away); Confederate Lines (approx. 1.9 miles away); Snee Farm (approx. 2 miles away); Christ Church (approx. 2 miles away); a different marker also named Christ Church (approx. 2 miles away); Boone Hall Plantation (approx. 2.1 miles away); Charles Pinckney (approx. 2˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mount Pleasant.
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
2. Shell Rings and Shell Middens Marker - Reverse
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 3, 2010
3. Shell Rings and Shell Middens Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,581 times since then and 120 times this year. Last updated on September 19, 2010, by Gerig M. Huggins of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 14, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
