A History of Parris Island Recruit Depot
Marines first landed on Parris Island in 1891 when First Sergeant Richard Donovan led a security detachment in the area. The town that Parris Island is now a part of, called Port Royal, was a Naval Station that his unit was attached to.
There are still some military structures and homes from that era standing. They formed the center of the Parris Island Historic District and include the commanding general’s home. All of these building in the Historic District are on the National Register of Historic Places.
It didn’t become an official Marine recruit depot for a good 20+ years. It wasn’t officially designated until 1915, but Marine training has continued ever since. Back then (prior to 1929), there were no roads leading into the island. Recruits had to take a ferry from the Port Royal docks to the Parris Island docks. In 1929, a bridge and a causeway were built over Archer Creek and provided Parris Island with a road connection.
I’d like to trace the dates my grandfather, dad and uncle trained at Parris Island. Timeframe for dad (Howard Gerard Loftis) was May 1942 and uncle (Thomas Patrick Loftis) was August 1966. I believe my grandfather also trained there prior to WWI (late 1800). His name was also Howard Gerard Loftis. Thanks for honoring my request. Semper Fi.
Oops! In my previous post I meant to say sources of photographs of the naval station and Marines..
William Cutts
Newberry, Florida
In conducting family history research I obtained the service records of my grandfather, Charles L. Clark. I found that he was statioined at the US Marines Headquarters in Washington DC in 1891 and then stationed at Port Royal, SC from Dec 1891 through 1906 when his enlistment was up.
That would make him among the first Marines to be stationed at the Port Rooyal Naval Station soon to become Parris Island I believe.
I am looking for sources of the naval station and particularly any Marines during that perion in Port Royal. Can anyone assist or offer advice?
Thanks.
William Cutts
Newberry, Florida