History of Fripp Island
Is a 6.546 sq mi
(16.954 kmē) island just off the coast of the U.S. state
of South Carolina, located along the Atlantic Ocean
about halfway between Charleston, South Carolina and
Savannah, Georgia. The most seaward of the South
Carolina Sea Islands, Fripp Island is renowned for its
scenic beauty and island resort amenities.
The island is named after Captain Johannes Fripp, a
British sailor charged with protecting the Carolina
crown colony from Spanish pirates. Once a private
hunting range, a bridge built in 1961 connected Fripp
with Hunting Island State Park, U.S. Highway 21, and
nearby Beaufort and began to stimulate residential
development. Within 10 years, the island had built a
golf course, tennis courts, a marina, and a variety of
homes and condominium units that would serve as the
benchmark for development for the next thirty years. In
1994, the island underwent its final major development
phase on its southern end, with development more or less
completed by 2000. An additional golf course designed by
Davis Love III was built, as well as a new community
center and an expansion of the marina.
Fripp has a year-round population of 887 residents (2000
census), but in summer months the island's population
can rise to about 2,000 to 3,000 visitors. It is not a
municipality, though operates a security force, fire
brigade, and has a property owners association (FIPOA).
The Fripp Island Resort is the leading rental provider
on the island, though it is possible to rent
independently or through an off-island company. Often
seen as an alternative, affordable, and less "touristy"
destination compared with its large neighbor Hilton Head
Island, Fripp has garnered national attention as a
leading beach destination in South Carolina. It still
remains relatively uncrowded in comparison to Hilton
Head and commercial activity is heavily restricted.
Fripp has also been featured in several Hollywood films,
including Forrest Gump, The Prince of Tides, and
Disney's live-action The Jungle Book.
The island is a major loggerhead turtle hatchery and an
active group of residents works to make the beaches safe
for the laying turtles by observing outside lighting
precautions during nesting seasons and protecting nests
from predation by humans, raccoons and other animals.
Location
Fripp Island is located just 19 miles east of Beaufort.
South Carolina. Beaufort is midway between Savannah and
Charleston, across the Port Royal Sound from Hilton Head
Island. A private bridge to access the island was built
in 1963.
Sounds Like
Unlike Beaufort, North Carolina (which is pronounced
BO-fort), South Carolina's Beaufort is pronounced BYOO-fort.
Climate
Fripp Island residents can enjoy a pleasant
semi-tropical environment all year round. The summer
months bring a 88 degree high average temperature.
Swimmers will be happy to hear the Atlantic Ocean
reaches a balmy 80 degrees in summer. Winter high
temperatures are approximately 60 degrees on Fripp.
Transportation
golf cart is the favorite means of leisurely
transportation on this resort island. Many residents
rely on golf carts as their primary means of transport.
Vacationers can forget cars and join the fun by renting
carts by the day or week
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