Through the shrubbery to your left are the remains of the Parris Island Dry Dock. For over ten years this impressive structure served as the only naval dry dock on the east coast south of Norfolk, Virginia. When in use, the dry dock was sealed off from the Beaufort River by means of a steel gate. The gate was floated into place, then filled with water and allowed to sink, thus sealing off the dry dock from the river. To remove the gate, it was simply drained until it floated and then towed out of the way. After the naval station closed, the dry dock served as a docking area for vessels and barges until the 1960s and sometimes as a swimming pool. As you’re driving past the dry dock, the graves of some of the Depot’s beloved pets and mascots are on your left with the Mike Monument. The next structure on your right is the Lyceum, which was completed in 1900 as a machine shop. In 1915, when the Marines took over Parris Island, it was used for indoor physical fitness training and following World War I, it became a site for sports and other recreational events, like dances and movies. At one point, it housed a basketball court and tennis courts. Today, the building hosts Marine Corps balls and other social events, as well as provides classroom space for applied instruction. Next door sits the Depot’s original headquarters, built in 1900.
Turn right on Nicaragua Street. On your left is the Beaufort River and the site of the old Depot Pier.
