There’s a lot of history on Hilton Head Island, and one of the most interesting spots is the Old Oyster Factory.
This building has been around for over a hundred years and has served many purposes over the years. Today, it’s a popular spot for dining, and people come from all over to experience its unique charm.
The Old Oyster Factory on Hilton Head Island has a long history that dates back to the early 1800s. The factory was located near many of the oyster beds, making it the perfect spot for this type of business. The cannery was constructed in 1842, and the factory followed soon after.
Oystermen originally used the building as a place to process and ship their catch.
Each day the oystermen stood in the Bateaux and carefully weeded the beds. Weeding allowed an oyster yield while leaving room for future growth. These oystermen returned daily with hundreds of fresh oysters. In the factory, women using only crude instruments shucked and canned them. The oysters were then ferried across to the mainland and distributed from Savannah to Charleston and beyond.
From 1925 until the 1990s, 1700 acres of nearby creeks and wetlands were harvested for oysters. That changed when the state of South Carolina created the Broad Creek Marine Preserve. This preserve protects the area’s sensitive ecosystem and is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including oysters.
Get on the Water
The old factory building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
In 1989, it was renovated and turned into a restaurant. Today, the Old Oyster Factory is one of Hilton Head’s most popular dining spots. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood while overlooking the panoramic views of the marshland landscape of Broad Creek. OpenTable voted it one of the “Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants” and “Top 50 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in America.” The Old Oyster Factory is open daily for lunch, dinner and happy hour, plus brunch on Sunday.
To learn more about Hilton Head Island’s history, visit the old oyster factory. This landmark is full of fascinating stories and is a great place to enjoy a meal.
The old oyster factory is located 101 Marshland Rd. For more information, go to www.oldoysterfactory.com.
