Riverland Terrace, established in the early 20th century, quickly gained recognition for its spacious lots and proximity to waterways. The land, originally part of Wappoo Hall (later known as Riverland Plantation), holds significant historical importance.To support the Lowcountry’s trade economy, the colonial legislature employed enslaved labor to carve out channels, creating Elliot’s Cut and Wappoo Cut.^[1]

The neighborhood also has ties to pivotal moments in American history. During the American Revolution, British troops led by Lord Cornwallis passed through Riverland Terrace enroute to Charleston, and a British cannon was unearthed in a resident’s yard in the 1930s.^[2] Additionally, Fort Pemberton, an earthwork built by Confederate troops in 1863, stands as a reminder of the Civil War, defending the area along the Stono River and Wappoo Creek.^[3]

In the winter of 1925, Claudius Bissell Jenkins, owner of Edisto Realty, began developing the neighborhood. Leveraging the newly opened Ashley River Bridge, Jenkins advertised homes in Riverland Terrace as part of an upper-class suburb offering a feasible commute to Charleston.^[4] Early marketing materials promoted the area as providing “Suburban Life with City Conveniences.”^[5] The neighborhood attracted business owners, lawyers, and doctors, drawn by modern amenities such as electricity, plumbing, and telephone services. The architectural styles varied, featuring Colonial Revival, ranch-style houses, and Craftsman cottages.^[6]

Overlooking many of these homes was a tract of land exceeding 100 acres, initially used as the Riverland Terrace Riding and Driving Club, also owned by Jenkins. He sold this property to the city for $5, transforming it into a public golf course.^[7] Jenkins aimed to foster a sense of community by including public parks, a fire station, a public boat landing, and a small commercial strip in the neighborhood.^[8] The development of Riverland Terrace played a crucial role in the suburbanization of James Island, serving as a catalyst for further residential growth in the area.

This year marks 100 years of Riverland Terrace as a neighborhood – standing as a testament to the vision of its founders and the community that has grown over the decades. This milestone not only celebrates the rich history and evolution of the neighborhood but also underscores the importance of preserving its unique heritage for future generations.

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