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Archaeologists in Brussels, Belgium, recently discovered traces of an ancient cemetery located in a busy area of the city. The remains date back to the Middle Ages. (Source: @mijnmivb via Facebook)
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Tourists exploring an island in South Carolina recently came across “historically significant” remains, according to local authorities.
The Colleton County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) announced the discovery in a press release on May 24. The remains were found the previous day near the abandoned community of Jeremy Cay, about a half-mile from shore.
Edisto Island, located south of Charleston, is one of several Sea Islands in the Palmetto State. It has been colonized by Europeans since the 17th century.
Tourists walking through the site on May 23 discovered “what they initially thought were fossils,” officials said.
“Upon closer examination, they realized the remains were likely human and immediately contacted the Colleton County Sheriff's Office and the Edisto Beach Police Department,” authorities said.
A group of tourists (not pictured) exploring Edisto Island recently stumbled upon historic human remains. (Getty Images; iStock)
Upon arrival at the scene, police officers cordoned off the area and treated the incident as a potential crime, although the circumstances of the discovery of the remains did not arouse particular suspicion.
Instead, authorities said beachgoers had found a “historically significant” site that was likely used as a burial site.
“The area was once the site of a 19th century settlement known as Edingsville Beach,” police said.
“Initial evidence suggests the remains may come from a long-forgotten cemetery.”
Edisto Island, shown in this image, is one of South Carolina's many sea islands. (Getty Images)
Colleton County Coroner's Office personnel arrived on scene to retrieve the remains, which were then transported to the Medical University of South Carolina, where they are currently being identified and studied.
“The identity of the deceased and the circumstances of his death remain unknown at this time,” CCSO said.
“This is an active investigation and CCSO is working closely with the Coroner's Office and other partner agencies to learn more about the remains and their origin.”
African-American tenants settled on Edisto Island after the Civil War. (Getty Images)
The Edisto Island tourism website states that Edingsville Beach was a popular vacation spot for wealthy Charleston residents before the Civil War.
After many of the houses were abandoned by plantation owners who went bankrupt during the war, African-American tenants and farmers took over the buildings.
The newly discovered remains are among the last traces of a once thriving community.
By the late 19th century, many of the buildings were washed out to sea by hurricanes, and the newly discovered remains represent some of the last evidence of a once thriving community.
Fox News Digital reached out to the CCSO for additional information, but no new details were forthcoming.
The settlement of Edingsville Beach was eventually abandoned after a powerful hurricane in 1885. (Getty Images)
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