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Dewees Island, South Carolina, though often associated with Charleston County, is here considered within the greater Lowcountry coastal system that touches parts of Jasper and Hampton Counties—a region of tidal marshes, estuaries, and barrier islands deeply shaped by centuries of natural and human history. The earliest inhabitants were indigenous coastal tribes, who built shell mounds and used dugout canoes to navigate the labyrinth of tidal creeks. These native communities sustained themselves through fishing, shellfish gathering, and small-scale cultivation long before European explorers charted the coast.

During the 18th century, European settlers, drawn by the fertile marshlands and access to waterways, established plantations along the coast and inland river systems. These plantations grew rice, indigo, and cotton, supported by the forced labor of enslaved Africans. The influence of the Gullah people—descendants of these Africans—became foundational to the region's language, culture, and traditions. Gullah craftsmanship, folklore, and cuisine remain woven into the cultural fabric of the Lowcountry, including areas like Dewees and the marshlands around Jasper and Hampton Counties.

In the post-Civil War period, the region's economy shifted dramatically. Plantation lands were subdivided, and freed African American families built small farms, often along rivers and creeks. Dewees and nearby barrier islands became more isolated, used seasonally by fishermen and oystermen who harvested the abundant shellfish. The 20th century brought challenges of rural poverty and isolation, but also the persistence of community resilience and cultural preservation. The rise of forestry and the paper industry provided limited work, while the region's waterways continued to serve as vital lifelines for food and trade.

Infrastructure and accessibility to these Lowcountry areas improved slowly over time. The development of U.S. Highway 17 and nearby rural routes connected Jasper and Hampton to Beaufort and Charleston, making once-remote coastal zones more reachable. Conservation also became a defining feature of the late 20th century, as land trusts and state initiatives sought to protect the region's unique marsh ecosystems. Areas like Dewees became known for their pristine natural environment and for sustainable residential development that emphasized ecological preservation over expansion.

Today, Dewees Island and its neighboring coastal communities represent a delicate balance of natural beauty, ecological stewardship, and quiet coastal living. The island is known for its limited development, wildlife sanctuaries, and serene atmosphere. Residents and visitors alike value its absence of cars, noise, and congestion—replaced instead by winding boardwalks, salt marsh views, and abundant birdlife. Whether connected more closely with the protected coastal barrier systems or the inland estuarine regions of Jasper and Hampton Counties, Dewees Island embodies the essence of the Lowcountry: a place where nature, history, and community coexist in timeless harmony.