[12] The tribe was largely unknown, even to local historians, until the twenty-first century, having lived apart for generations along the road between Summerville and Moncks Corner.

[3] Historians have noted that while a great number of individuals of Indigenous descent live within the area of Berkeley County, the only distinct settlement is the community of Varnertown.

[12] Members of Varnertown independently organized in 2001 as a nonprofit in anticipation of South Carolina beginning to award official state-recognition to communities within the state.

[6] In order to be recognized by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs as a state-recognized tribe, the Wassamasaw had to show that members had existed as a community for at least a century.

[6] While conducting research necessary for state-recognition, tribal members provided records showing that an "Indian Mary", who identified as an Edisto, married a Varnertown resident during the nineteenth century.

[12] Some members of the community also attended The Pine View Indian School that was established in 1934 at Ten Mile Hill area (present-day Rivers Avenue) in North Charleston.

[6] The tribe also claims descent from remnants of the Catawba, Etiwan, Edisto, and Cherokee, who began to intermarry during the early eighteenth century following the Yamasee War.

[16] The Wassamasaw Tribe is working to preserving their land and cultural heritage in Berkeley & Dorchester counties as they confront increasing pressures on their community.

Chief Lisa Collins of the tribe expressed concerns about rising property taxes and the challenges youth face in affording to live in the community.

[17] Members of the Wassamasaw have given presentations at Edisto Beach State Park, as part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' public event series.