Belle Isle, as most developments in this county, was once a thriving rice plantation before the Civil War. During the 1950s, many of the wetlands were diked, lakes were formed, and much of the high ground, with the moss covered oaks and huge pine trees, was divided into residential lots. Turning former rice plantations into neighborhoods was a relatively new concept at this time. Belle Isle was an immediate success as evidenced by the number of brick ranch homes seen today. It has continued to flourish and offers the same quality of life as construction of new homes still goes on today. The remains of Battery White, a Confederate fort located on this site, can still be seen.