Named for the Coosa Indians who once inhabited its banks, the Coosawhatchie River (pronounced KOO-suh-HATCH-ee) is a tidal river which originates near the towns of Allendale and Fairfax. It flows southeast until it merges with the Pocotaligo River to form the Broad River. The Broad River then joins the Chechesee River and the Beaufort River to form the Port Royal Sound, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Coosa tribe was a subtribe of the Cusabo, which loosely translates as Coosawatchie River people. Unfortunately, the Cusabo and its subtribes are now extinct. During the late 1600s and early 1700s, they suffered attacks by both colonists and the fierce Yuchi tribe. The enslavement of Indians was also officially sanctioned during this time, and many Cusabo were sold to plantations in the West Indies. By 1750 the Cusabo no longer existed as a distinct tribe, and it is commonly believed that its members merged with the Catawbas or the Creek of Georgia.
Altogether, the Coosawhatchie River flows through four South Carolina counties: Allendale, Hampton, Jasper, and Beaufort. The areas surrounding the river were home to several Civil War and American Revolution battles, including the Battle of Coosawhatchie in 1779.
Where does Stoney Creek flow into the Coosawhatchie River? I am looking for the now destroyed Stoney Creek Plantation, near Gillisonville, SC, where Leroy Franklin Youmans and his wife, Sophia Elizabeth Tillinghast, lived. It was a gift from the father, Gilly Youmans. It is not to be confused with a Stoney Creek Road in Hilton Head, which Google takes you to. Thank you.
There are descendants of the Cusabo subtribes present in state recognized tribes. I understand that there are others including myself who do not affiliate with a tribal community currently, but the “Edisto” or Kusso-Natchez as well as the Etiwan are very real people and communities. The information on across this network should be updated.
Hello James, we want to be sure we have this correct and it is never our intent to offend and/or omit. We will reach out to you by email to get further information. Thank you!
Thank you.
Beautiful sunset
Coosawhatchee Bridge mentioned as 8 miles away from 1771 SC plat at the head of a branch known as Beaverdam (for Elias Jaudon). Sketched plat shows “Bullhead” and mentions Great Coosawhatchee Swamp.