Shem Creek – Charleston, South Carolina

Shem Creek flows through the heart of Mount Pleasant and is known for its many waterfront bars and restaurants. It also offers a variety of leisure activities including fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Originally inhabited by the Sewee Indians, the creek’s name is derived from the Native American word “Shemee,” which is thought to be the name of a small tribe that settled on its banks. The creek begins near present-day Bowman Road, where several small tributaries meet to form its head. It continues to wind through Mount Pleasant’s Old Village before eventually emptying into the Charleston harbor.

Shem Creek has a long history as a working creek, beginning in the 1740s when Peter Villepontoux operated a lime kiln on its banks. Several notable businessmen, including Andrew Hibben, also established successful ferries on the creek during this time. Although ferries have since given way to charter boats, Shem Creek remains one of the most popular channels in the area.

Several mills and factories were stationed on the creek during the 1800s, but commerce came to a halt during the Civil War as the mills were either destroyed or abandoned. It wasn’t until the turn of the century that the seafood industry began to take shape. By the mid-1940s shrimping had grown into one of the most important industries in the area and several seafood companies, including the Mount Pleasant Seafood Company, had already been established on Shem Creek.

Today Shem Creek is a favorite spot among tourists and locals alike to take in everything that the Lowcountry has to offer. Charleston native Elizabeth Gurley writes, “here in Charleston, we jump at every opportunity to take advantage of our coastal locale. Whether you’re cruising Shem Creek, or setting sail down the Intracoastal Waterway, the scenery leaves nothing to be desired. Whether you denote the changing of the seasons by the turning of the marsh grass, or appreciate the deep-seated tradition of local shrimping, there is something for everyone to enjoy and be grateful for from this Lowcountry vantage point.”