Charlie Simmons, Sr.

Before the Island's first bridge, Charlie Simmons, Sr., became known as "Mr. Transportation" amoung the local community, which was made up of descendants of freed slaves following the Civil War.<br> Until the late 1920's sailboats were the primary means of transportation to and from the Island. Mr. Simmons bought the first locally owned motorboat. That boat meant that Islanders could make three trips to Savannah each week, rather than one. Mr. Simmons also ran a general store, and when Islanders asked for an item he didn't have, he would have it the next day. Mr. Simmons' boats served a vital role in transporting goods and people to the Island.