Old Village Magazine

5 www.OldVillageMountPleasant.com | www.ColemanBoulevard.com feature many of them named by the Indians: Shem Creek, Wando River and Copahee Sound, for example. This heritage also is reflected in street names, such as Oldwanus Drive, Seewee Circle, Shem Drive, Mataoka Street and Wakendaw Boulevard. Some of the first roads were built as part of a long-distance trail system that included stagecoaches and ferries. Before Andrew Hibben started his ferry service in 1770, residents and travelers had to depart from Hobcaw Point to cross the Cooper River to Charleston. Old Georgetown Road was an early route between Georgetown and Charleston; a few portions still exist in Mount Pleasant, while others became part of U.S. Highway 17. The road led directly to the ferry landing at Haddrell’s Point. From there, passengers could cross the harbor on Hibben’s ferry, which cut travel time significantly. The original town of Mount Pleasant was a combination of five villages located between Shem Creek and the cove that incorporated in the mid- 19th century and eventually expanded to include all of Christ Church Parish. Now Mount Pleasant stretches from the Cooper River to the Intracoastal Waterway and from Charleston Harbor all the way to Awendaw. The Old Village includes the oldest and most historic streets, but the tradition of honoring residents who contributed to the town’s growth and prosperity by naming streets, parks and landmarks after them continues today. Here are the origins for some of the oldest local street names: Beach Street – Before the harbor jetties were constructed, this street curved along a sandy beach. Later, with the natural flow of sand obstructed, marsh grasses took over the area. Bennett Street – This street is named for James Hibben’s mother-in-law, whose fourth husband was William Bennett. Center Street – The street was named in the 1847 plan of Hilliardsville, which encompassed the area from Division Street (now McCants) to the cove and from Common Street (now Royall Avenue) to the harbor and was owned by Charles Jugnot and Oliver Hilliard. Ferry Street – Constructed in 1847, it served as a route to the Mount Pleasant Ferry Company wharf owned and operated by Charles Jugnot and Oliver Hilliard. Haddrell Street – It was named after George Haddrell, an original settler from the late 1600s who is buried in the churchyard of Christ Church. Haddrell’s Point, the southeast side of Shem Creek, also was named for him. The first Mount Pleasant ferry ran from Haddrell’s Point to Charleston. Hibben Street – This street was named after James Hibben, whose father Andrew Hibben began the ferry service in 1770. James Hibben was the founder of Mount Pleasant Village and a state senator from 1800 to 1815. King Street and Queen Street – These were named Photo by Margaret Ann Michels Photo by Joel Cardwell