The Sewee Shell Ring trail winds through the Francis Marion National Forest, and takes you to a beautiful boardwalk along the marsh. Here you will find the Sewee Indian Shell Ring, a historic ruin that is over 4000 years old!
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According to Tim Penninger's book Awendaw, explorer and naturalist John Lawson gave an insightful account of Sewee life. The name 'Awendaw' and other names in the area are credited to be originated by the tribe. Lawson stayed in a deserted Sewee settlement known as 'Avendaughbough,' which gives us the name Awendaw. Wappetaw, Shem Creek, and Hopsewee are all rooted in the Sewee language as well.
Lawson also uncovered a few stories about the Sewee tribe and their encounters with British settlers. The Sewee had mainly dealt with local traders and started to feel as if they were being taken advantage of, so they decided they were only going to deal directly with the King of England. From the Awendaw coastline, they had seen a large number of ships headed out from Charleston bound for England. The Sewee thought since so many ships departed for England so frequently, the country couldn't be that far past the horizon. Loading up their best canoes with their finest pelts, treasures, and strongest men, they embarked out across the Atlantic. Unfortunately, they were no match for the ocean in canoes, and met a fierce storm that wiped out most of the expedition.
If you enjoy the Sewee shell ring and learning about the history of the Sewee, then you should definitely visit the nearby clam mound, which was also created by ancient Awendaw Indians.
View more pictures of Awendaw.
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