Stallings Island

Stallings Island is a 16-acre site in the Savannah River containing thick layers of freshwater shellfish remains and Native American artifacts. The deposits extend more than 10 feet deep and reveal how people lived and worked over a long period.

The site was inhabited between 4,500 and 3,500 years ago during the Late Archaic period of Native American cultures. This era marked a turning point when people in the southeastern region began establishing more permanent settlements.

The island holds evidence of North America's oldest pottery tradition, known as Stallings fiber-tempered wares. This discovery shows that the people who lived here had already developed sophisticated ceramic techniques.

The site is protected by fencing, surveillance cameras, and warning signs to keep the archaeological deposits safe from damage. Visitors should check ahead about how to access the area and what viewing opportunities are available.

Goats and donkeys graze on the island as a natural way to manage vegetation growth in a place where traditional machinery cannot easily work. This approach proves more effective than other landscape maintenance methods on the challenging terrain.

Location: Columbia County

GPS coordinates: 33.56094,-82.04650

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:07