Sewee Mound

Sewee Mound is a prehistoric circular shell ring structure within Francis Marion National Forest measuring roughly 150 feet (45 m) across and rising about 10 feet (3 m) high. The formation consists primarily of accumulated oyster shells left behind by ancient inhabitants of the region.

The shell structure dates back to the Late Archaic through Early Woodland periods, roughly 2200 to 1000 years ago. It represents one of the earliest established settlements known along the South Carolina coast.

The mound reveals oyster shells and artifacts showing how Native American communities lived and what they ate in this coastal area. These remains tell the story of their daily routines and how they adapted to life by the water.

The site sits in Awendaw off Salt Pond Road within a national forest that offers walking trails through the woodland. Visitors should stay on marked paths to protect the archaeological remains and respect the preserved landscape.

This shell ring belongs to a group of about twenty similar structures scattered along a specific stretch of coast between central South Carolina and Georgia. The concentration of these ancient rings in this narrow band makes it a key location for understanding how early coastal peoples organized their settlements.

Location: Charleston County

GPS coordinates: 32.99670,-79.61030

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:16