This part of the island houses some of the oldest buildings on the Depot, which harken back to the early days of Parris Island as a military installation. Following the Civil War, the South Carolina legislative delegation worked to develop Port Royal Sound into a naval station. Among the delegation was Beaufort Congressman Robert Smalls, a former slave who was instrumental in helping establish and maintain a base on Parris Island. In 1883, the Federal Government bought the portion today known as the Historic District for a naval coaling and supply station. The naval station opened in 1889, and by 1891 the Navy made Port Royal its primary South Atlantic Naval Base. The elevated status brought construction, including a dry-dock to repair ships of the Atlantic Fleet. In 1903, the navy yard moved to Charleston, SC, and the buildings became Marine Corps classrooms, barracks and naval prison facilities. Building 10, completed in 1897, and Building 11, constructed between 1897 and 1900, are two of the original buildings remaining. Look closely at Building 11. It was built in two parts, and there is a visible seam in the building. Over the years, they have served a variety of functions, including machine shop, barracks, classroom space, and at one point the commissary. As you pass the silted-in dry dock, note the two monuments on your left. One is dedicated to Captain Gustav Karow, 1st Lieutenant Stephen Saint George, and 2nd Lieutenant Frederick T. Molthen, who were killed in a plane crash on Parris Island on 25 June 1923. The second monument is dedicated to Captain Bror G. Brodstrom, who was associated with recruit training on Parris Island from 1911 to 1921.
Continue on Mexico Street. The Gazebo is on your left and Quarters One is right in front, at the intersection of Mexico Street and Tripoli Street.
