Uncover the secrets of Bellinger Island

Theresa Dennis:

Daniel Island has hundreds of acres of land that are home to beautiful parks, and green spaces. The extensive 25+ mile trail system winds through maritime forest, along the marsh and the water’s edge, and through neighborhoods and the island’s downtown, offering scenic views and a safe and convenient environment for runners, walkers, and cyclists.

A favorite stop on the trail is a beautiful Nature preserve surrounded by marsh and creeks called Bellinger Island adjacent to the Beresford Creek Boat Landing. The site features trails, sitting areas, a fishing dock, and locked storage for kayak and paddle board rentals. 

As we uncover the secrets of Bellinger Island we learn the name Bellinger has been associated with Daniel Island throughout the years. The first reference was Edmund Bellinger, who was granted 20 acres and two small islands adjacent to Daniel Island in 1694. Those islands are now part of the marsh.  Then there was Benjamin Bellinger, who was the head of one of the 9 families that worked the land on Daniel Island for George Cunningham in the late 1800s.  George owned the southern 2/3 of the island until his death in 1902. 

In the late 1930s, Walter Bellinger, Benjamin’s son, would live on what we call Bellinger Island today and would ferry workers from Thomas Island across Beresford Creek.  Later, the American Fruit Growers would build a packing shed and a pier on the island.  Potatoes and cabbage were sorted and prepared for shipment to the southern piers in Charleston.  The pier was also used as a swimming hole for the locals. Our sons have fond memories of climbing high up into the trees and laughing all the way down as they dropped to the water.