The area now known as Awendaw was originally inhabited by the Sewee tribe, whose name means "Islanders." They lived along the lower Santee River and the coast west of the Ashley River, including present-day Moncks Comer and Dewees Island. The Sewee Shell Ring, located near a preserved freshwater marsh, is one of the oldest and northernmost shell mounds found along the Carolina coast, believed to be roughly 4,000 years old. While it is generally thought that the mound was a dumping ground for old oyster shells, there are theories that the shell rings served a ceremonial purpose. The site can be visited via a self-guided trail in the Francis Marion National Forest. 

Colonial Settlement 
In 1696, settlers from Salem, Massachusetts, who had fled the Salem Witch Trials, founded a settlement called "Wappetaw," which is now known as Awendaw. The name "Awendaw" is thought to mean "Red Clay,11 reflecting the area's natural resources. The town was heavily damaged by Hurricane Hugo in September 1989 but did not receive as significant damage in 2004 when Hurricane Gaston made landfall in the region. 

Plantation Era 
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Awendaw was home to several plantations, including Tibwin Plantation. Established in 1705 by Captain John Collins, Tibwin Plantation was known for cultivating Sea Island cotton, com, and potatoes. At its peak, the plantation had 105 enslaved individuals working the land. The property changed hands several times before being acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in 1996 and incorporated into the Francis Marion National Forest.

Modern Development 
Awendaw remained a rural community for much of the 20th century. In 1992, the town was officially incorporated, and William H. Alston was elected as its first mayor. Under his leadership, the town established the Blue Crab Festival, celebrating the local crabbing industry. The town also developed a municipal park and began planning for a new high school. 

Cultural and Natural Attractions 
Today, Awendaw is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is located near the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest, offering residents and visitors access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and pristine beaches. The Center for Birds of Prey, established in 1991, is in Awendaw and provides educational programs and flight demonstrations featuring various bird species. 

Awendaw Sewee Shell Mound
Located approximately 18 miles north of Charleston in Awendaw, the Sewee Shell Mound is a pre-Columbian Native-American historical site. It is accessed by a one-mile interpretative hiking trail in the Francis Marion National Forest. Although weathered by time and Hurricane Hugo in 1989, the shell rings are easily visible. They are believed to be an ancient trash pile of oyster shells discarded by early Native Americans hundreds, or even several thousand years ago, although some theories suggest the shell rings had ceremonial purposes.
Located adjacent to a preserved freshwater marsh, the site may be examined from a 120-foot-long National Forest Service boardwalk, which also features five interpretive stops. Directions and details are available at the nearby Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center in Awendaw.