Shem Creek was originally inhabited by the
Sewee Native American tribe. The name of the creek is thought to derive from the Native American word
Shemee. In the 1740s,
Peter Villepontoux operated a
lime kiln on the bank of the creek. During this period, several businessmen established ferries which operated along the creek. During the 1800s, several mills and factories were stationed on the creek, but commerce along the creek came to a halt during the
American Civil War. By the 1950s, the first shrimp dock was constructed along Shem Creek and the seafood industry became highly active along the creek. In 1989,
Hurricane Hugo, hundreds of boats in Shem Creek were left in derelict condition or capsized. In October 2011, the Shem Creek Boardwalk and Shem Creek Park opened to the public. The Shem Creek Park and 3,000 foot boardwalk is maintained by the Town of Mount Pleasant.
Wildlife The creek is known for the variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins,
egret,
black skimmers, and
American oystercatchers. == In popular culture ==