Human skeletal remains found in ‘historically significant’ area of Edisto Island are under review

EDISTO ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Human skeletal remains found in a historically significant area of Edisto Island have sparked national attention.

The remains were discovered by tourists at the Jeremy Cay community near Legare Road, which was once the site of Edingsville Beach, a long-lost 19th-century settlement that was destroyed by a hurricane in 1893.

“Edingsville is significant in several ways: one, it’s gone,” said Gretchen M. Smith, the Director of Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society.

The former Edingsville Beach area is covered in water, so artifacts are often found during low tide.

“We have people often bring stuff in here they found- anything from bones, animal bones and teeth, and then china, very fancy china and plates, usually a portion of a piece,” said Smith.

The unique environment means the artifacts are often well-preserved.

“Because it is a natural shoreline, we don’t see much human impact on that, and because of that, we’re able to see the prehistoric past, plus the cultural past washing up on its shorelines,” said Ashby Gale, a paleontologist.

When the tide went out over the weekend, human remains, including a skull, were found.

The Colleton County Coroner’s Office says the remains are under review, with no reported missing persons in the area, and the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office says early indications suggest the remains may originate from a long-forgotten burial site.

Experts say it may even predate the Edingsville settlement

“What makes this important, it may not even be Edinvsivlle remains we have here,” said Gale. “It could be something dating back 4,000 years to some of the more recent habitation of humans in the Lowcountry.”

Officials say it could be some time before they know the origin of these remains. They are working to find out and continue to preserve the historical area.

“Edisto is a jewel. It’s really something to be treasured by the whole state, and our visitors come from all over the place, so it’s really a treasure, and we’re doing everything we can to keep its character intact,” said Smith.

The Colleton County Coroner’s office says a forensic anthropologist is reviewing the bones, and they are aiding in the investigation.