Famous for the site where the first shot of the Civil War was fired, James Island has evolved into a major residential haven for Greater Charleston. The island is home to a thriving Gullah community, the name given to the cultural blend of African slaves with their European captors. James Island is only minutes from downtown Charleston and eclectic Folly Beach. The most spectacular local attraction is Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, drawing visitors from across the Lowcountry to dazzling light displays and holiday walks through an enchanting village. The park is a recreational favorite, offering a water park, campgrounds, and other amenities. James Island is also home to the Charleston County Senior Citizens Center. Newcomers will find a medley of housing options, from comfortable older neighborhoods to newly developed areas. The James Island Connector bridges the island with downtown Charleston with four lanes of express traffic, accelerating development in recent years.