In 1704, this island fell into European hands by means of a Lord Proprietor’s grant, just before the Yemassee Indian Wars broke out. The wars began because the British (The Proprietors) were deeding away lands the Yemassee were using for hunting and fishing. It’s no surprise to me that the Yemassee chose to fight. In all the world, there are few places more bountiful.
So began a fascinating recorded history to include soldiers from many wars, financier EF Hutton and his extravagant shooting weekends, cargo ships and exquisite yachts, fine thoroughbred horses, and even dance hall girls.
After 300 years, a place gets set in its ways. I learned the ways of Alligator Hall as a girl, and they’re in me wherever I go. My wonderful Uncle Pete said it superbly in a 2008 note he addressed to us as “The Wild Gators”. In that note, Pete finished by saying, “Alligator Hall is not just a place, it’s a state of mind.”
I’ve seen Alligator Hall in the dirt roads of the Serengeti, the towns of the American West, the moors of Scotland, and even a souk in Istanbul. It’s everywhere, and it’s for all of us to share.