The History
Of The Port
See where we’ve been and how we’ll be Keeping Freight Moving in the future.
1670
150 English colonists, indentured servants and slaves sailed into the Charleston harbor.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991; Great Seal of the Lords Proprietors (www.palmettohistory.org)
1682
Charles Towne on the peninsula was declared the port of entry for the colony.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1690
Colonists successfully grew small amounts of the grain in the Charlestown colony by 1690.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1720 - 1739
Royal Governor John Glen noted export of 264,788 barrels of rice, or 44,081 tons which rose to 499,525 or 99,905 tons, increase of 126% by 1739.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1744
Eliza Lucas Pinckney?s first crop of indigo.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1747 - 1775
The colony produced 135,000 pounds of indigo for export. By 1775 indigo dye exports increased to 1,176,000 pounds.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1782
Tobacco was being grown in small quantities, and in the 1790s, almost 10,000 hogsheads (large barrels), were shipped from Charleston.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1783
British subsidy of indigo ended, and was no longer grown as a cash crop in the state.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1783 - 1808
This period represented the peak period of the international slave trade in Charleston when primarily West Africans were brought to Gadsden?s Wharf.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1820
Decline in agricultural prices spawned what was to become a general depression throughout the south.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1827
Charleston merchants persuaded the state legislature to charter the ?South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company? to investigate the feasibility of a rail road system connecting Charleston with inland markets and a canal between the Ashley and Savannah Rivers to divert from the Savannah River to Charleston.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1830
The Best Friend of Charleston made its inaugural trip on Christmas Day 1830, becoming the first steam locomotive in the US to establish regularly scheduled passenger service.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991; Photo is replica built in 1928 to recognize the S.C. Canal and Rail Road Co.?s 100th anniversary.
1830 - 1833
South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company operated its first 6-mile line from Charleston railroad built from Hamburg on the Savannah River to Charleston, but the city of Charleston would not allow tracks to be laid on the wharves. George Rogers wrote, ?All freight must be transshipped to wagons and hauled to the docks. The advantage of bypassing Savannah was thus lost in the city of Charleston herself.?
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1861 -1865
During the civil war period, South Carolina?s economy was devastated, and the city of Charleston, its docks, and ships in ruins.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1868
First export of 4,000 tons of phosphate, and the fertilizer industry boomed during the last ? of the 19th century.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1878 - 1897
The federal government spent $3.6m to build twin stone jetties to protect the harbor.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1880
Cotton made a strong resurgence in the post-war era -- nearly 1.5 million bales per year exported. Tobacco was reintroduced and continues to be a major agricultural crop. This would continue for 20 years until the devastating invasion of Boll Weevils from the south of Mexico.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1882 - 1883
The first unit of Columbus St. Wharf as a commercial terminal was built in 1882, primarily for the purpose of handling freight from the Clyde and Quintard lines.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1890
East Shore Terminal Company, the precursor to the Charleston Terminal Company, was formed by a syndicate of outside railroad investors.
Source: Wikipedia
1901
Charleston was chosen as the site for the only first-class navy yard between Hampton roads VA and San Francisco.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1903
the tracks, wharves, and warehouses of the East Shore Terminal company were sold at foreclosure, and the Charleston Terminal Company was formed. It was co-owned by Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and Southern Railway.
Source: Wikipedia
1916
During World War One as a result of the Naval Appropriations Act, the channel was dredged to a depth of 30 feet. The Ports deep draft warships guaranteed that the channels would be maintained at warship depth which was key to the later commercial development of the harbor.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1920
After his inauguration, Charleston Mayor John Grace immediately began transferring responsibility of the port facilities to the city of Charleston. In March 1920, the South Carolina General Assembly passed an act "to authorize cities having a population of fifty thousand inhabitants or more to acquire, purchase, establish, improve, maintain, and operate the port utilities of such cities." A month later, the Charleston City Council denied the Charleston Terminal Company's formal request for a renewal of their franchise.
Source: Wikipedia
1920 - 1926
Gross tonnage through the port doubled from 1.5 million tons in 1922 to a peak of 3.03 million in 1926, and dollar value increased from $109million to $209 million.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1921
The city of Charleston proceeded to purchase the dock facilities from the Charleston Terminal Company for $1.5 million. In a special election on November 8, 1921, Charlestonians voted in favor of the issuance of $2.5 million in municipal bonds in order to pay for the purchase of the port properties. This became the Port Utilities Commission (PUC)
Source: Wikipedia
1929
Stock market crash devastated the port?s trade volumes. The great depression dealt a near-lethal blow to the port, with traffic and revenue dropping off sharply.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1941
The State Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 711 was introduced, which established a 3 man committee to investigate the cause of shrinkage of waterborne commerce through the port of Charleston. Their report determined that the City of Charleston was no longer able to provide the necessary facilities in order for the port to stay in its rightful position as one of the best natural ports on the Eastern Seaboard.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
March 5, 1942
The SC General assembly approved Act No. 626 creating the SC State Ports Authority.
First board of directors, appointed by Governor Jefferies:
James Henry Hammond (Columbia), Howard Ellis Danner (Beaufort), Cotesworth Pinckney Means (Charleston), Herbert Lee Smith (Georgetown), Milton Alfred Pearlstein.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
May 16, 1942
First headquarters were located on the second floor of 5 Exchange St., where board members guided the SPA through its first stormy and crucial decade.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
January 15, 1943
SCPA?s first annual report to the Governor and general assembly stated ?it was early realized that because of the war and incident cessation of the building of any nature, other than that directly connected with the war effort, our program must, or necessity, be geared to and tied in with the defense program" (page 34).
The authority used the period of the war to lay plans and to inform itself as to traffic potentials, proper goals, and effective methods of operation.
Source: Summary of activities of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1942-1955 by South Carolina State Ports Authority
December 3, 1945
SCSPA secured permits from the Army to operate the North Charleston Terminal (formerly the U.S. Army Port of Embarkation Terminal).
Source: Summary of activities of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1942-1955 by South Carolina State Ports Authority
March 17, 1947
City of Charleston turned over title to Columbus St Terminal, Union Piers 1 & 2, Union Public Warehouse, Adgers Wharf, 1 Vendue Range.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1948
Due to neglect, SPA stopped using all steam locomotives and converted the railway to diesel operation.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1949
While the first chairman, James Hammond served less than a year, the second chairman, Arthur Simons, saw Charleston?s maritime commerce rise steadily from 1943 to 1949, moving from 57th in rank of US ports to 14th among the nation?s ports in overall trade.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1950's
Columbus St terminal?s pier extended to 1,495 feet, making it possible to berth 3 ships at a time.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1960's
Total cargo tonnage through the 3 ports (Charleston, Port Royal, and Georgetown) grew from 770,000 tons in 1960 to 2.2 million by the end of the decade.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
March 12, 1966
First containership to call Charleston was the Sea Land Gateway City, at Columbus St Terminal.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1970
SCPA appeared before the State budget and Control Board to ask approval for a minimum of $32 million for a 3 phase expansion of the ports. Funds were authorized by the SCPA for planning for expansion east of the Cooper River.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1971
SCPA hired W. Donald Welch as first ever Executive Director.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1972
SCPA purchased the Wando property from Georgia-Pacific Investment Company.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1975
SCPA received the President?s ?E? Award for excellence in the promotion of export trade. The E-Award flag still flies on the flagpole outside of the main office building.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1976
SCPA has total of 4 container cranes at NCT and CST, joined four year later by 4 custom-made Canron cranes.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1980
Because the US Army Corp of Engineers could not dredge the new channel in time, the SCPA had to have the work done itself, in addition to construction of an access road.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
October 15, 1981
SCPA approved contract amendments allowing two steamship lines to operate at the new terminal. Maersk Line shifted its operations from CST, and OOCL, in consortium with Dart Container Line, was also granted permission to use the new facility.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
November 12, 1981
First container ship to call the Wando Terminal was the DART ATLANTICA.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1982
Export cargoes moving via SCPA facilities increased more than 96% from 1975, from 1.48 million tons to 2.91 million tons. SCPA also received the President?s ?E-Star? Award, the country?s highest honor for continuing success in the promoting of exports.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1982
Deployment of ORION, the SCPS?s propriety computer system developed to facilitate the flow of information between freight forwarders, customs brokers, trucking lines, ocean carriers, US Customs, USDA, and the SCPA. SCPA was the first US port to successfully bring the waterfront and shipping communities into the computer age.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
May 12, 1982
Wando Terminal was dedicated and a celebration was held in conjunction with the SC International Trade Conference.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1984
Shipping Act of 1984 deregulated international shipping, essentially allowing steamships lines to better able control cargo flow from origin to destination.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1989
SCPA approved completing Phase III construction at the Wando Terminal a full container terminal to meet cargo and steamship line growth.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1989
During Hurricane Hugo, the Port closed but reopened quickly. As a result, a monster crane was destroyed and container cranes were damaged.
Source: History of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, 1991
1995
The 1st BMW shipment in March 1995, with 11 cars exported.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
1996
The Navy Base closed.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
1997
SCPA acquires property at the southern end of Daniel Island.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
2002
SCPA secured former Navy base property for terminal development.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
2003
The Veterans Terminal opened for project cargo while the South Carolina Farm Bureau officially closes the state?s only grain export facility in Charleston, SC.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
2005
Wando Terminal renamed Wando Welch Terminal after longtime port director Don Welch.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
2005
The Ravenel Bridge opens.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
2009
1st major contract - $50 million - let for construction of navy base container terminal.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
August 2010
Reconnaissance Phase begins, starting the #CHS52 Harbor Deepening Project.
Source:
2010
Plans announced for new cruise terminal at north end of Union Pier.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
2011
Charleston Harbor Deepening Project began with a study from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which determined a federal interest in the deepening of Charleston Harbor and cited the project as the best value for scarce public infrastructure dollars.
Source: scspa.com
2012
Two container cranes moved from CST to WWT.
Harbor Deepening - SC General Assembly set aside $300 million, the full estimated state share of the deepening construction costs.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
October 2013
Inland Port Greer opens, served by Norfolk Southern rail.
Source:
2016
New Postpanamax cranes arrive at WWT and the remaining container cranes are removed from CST.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
December 10, 2016
The United States Senate passed S.612, the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act (WIIN), which included Congressional authorization for the 52-foot Charleston Harbor Deepening Project.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
January 2017
South Carolina Ports Authority announced a record container volume of nearly two million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) handled in 2016.
Source: Imagine What Tomorrow Holds: South Carolina Ports Authority 75 Years by John F. Hassell, III, 2017
Fall 2017
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District awarded the first two construction contracts of $47 million and $214 million to Great Lakes Dredging Co. to deepen the Entrance Channel to 54 feet. Dredging work began in February 2018.
Source: scspa.com
March 2, 2018
#CHS52 entrance channel dredging begins.
Source:
April 2018
Inland Port Dillon opens, served by CSX rail.
Source:
November 2018
US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) announced $41.4 million in FY19 Work Plan for #CHS52 project.
Source:
January 2019
Dedication of new HQ building, located in Mt. Pleasant near the Wando Welch Terminal.
Source:
January 2019
SC Ports reported 6.4% container volume growth, with a record 2.3 million TEUS moved in 2018.
Source: scspa.com
March 2019
President Trump allocates $138 million in his Fiscal Year 2020 budget for the #CHS52 project.
Source: scspa.com
August 2019
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District awarded the third dredging construction contract of $124 million to Norfolk Dredging Co. This will create a 52-foot depth from the Lower Harbor up Wando River to Wando Welch Terminal. Work also involves widening the turning basin of the Wando River from 1,400 feet to 1,650 feet, allowing two 14,000-TEU-and-above ships to easily pass one another and turn around near the Wando Welch Terminal without restrictions.
Source: scspa.com
December 2019
Congress, President Trump approve $138 million for Charleston Harbor Deepening Project
Source: scspa.com
September 2020
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District awarded the fourth and fifth dredging construction contracts.