Gullah History

MITCHELVILLE PRESERVATION PROJECT: Keeping History Alive, Moving it into the Future

June 24, 2019

Mitchelville is much more than an old plot of land. It’s the birthplace of blacks who became free from a life of bondage. A place where slaves were given a chance to self-govern and establish roots of their own in a land that they had adopted as their own, as well as maintain culture and traditions that continue today. The Mitchelville Preservation Project has been and continues to collect stories and artifacts that demonstrate the richness of the story of Mitchelville.

MITCHELVILLE FREEDOM PARK | The Birthplace of Freedom

June 24, 2019

Mitchelville was the heart of The Port Royal Experiment, which was launched by the U.S. government and proved to a skeptical American public that African-Americans would fight for freedom and country, work for wages within a free-enterprise labor system, and live responsibly as independent citizens. Mitchelville was constructed, inhabited and governed exclusively by previously enslaved freedom-seekers. Activities in this settlement were reported nationwide, ultimately influencing national reconstruction policies.

National Park Service Adds Mitchelville Freedom Park To The Network Of Freedom

June 24, 2019

Hilton Head Island has been recognized as the only place in South Carolina for its historical importance in the Underground Railroad with three areas of membership: The Heritage Library, Mitchelville and Fort Howell, which is located within Mitchelville.

HARRIET TUBMAN ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND | An Important Stop on The Underground Railroad

June 24, 2019

During her time on Hilton Head, Harriett provided the Union Army with local area intelligence, as well as played a significant part in their military strategy. Her input was so valuable to the military, that she also influenced policies that effected how the military handled the onslaught of slaves that came to the island.

Earthworks Fortification at Fort Howell | Hilton Head, SC

June 23, 2019

Fort Howell is nominated as a military site. It also complements the commemoration of Mitchelville, a destination site for freedom seekers. For visitors, this site builds upon the history of the origin and activities of Mitchelville residents — i.e., service in the U.S. Navy and the formation of the first U.S. Colored Army, whose troops were instrumental in the Union’s overall victory. Fort Howell is an ideal site to serve as a future commemoration of the thousands of freedom seekers who served valiantly in the US military.

Bluffton, SC

June 23, 2019

By Luana M. Graves Sellars Steeped in small-town charm and rich in history, the Town of Bluffton is both old and new. Bluffton has become one of the fastest-growing towns

Hilton Head Island | Before the Bridge

June 21, 2019

By Luana M. Graves Sellars Hilton Head Island’s first swing bridge that connected to the mainland. Every day, close to 50,000 cars cross the bridge onto Hilton Head Island. In

JUNETEENTH: All of This Talk About Reconstruction

June 21, 2019

Even though slavery was abolished on January 1, 1863 by the Emancipation Proclamation, the news was not received by slaves in Texas until June 19th, 1865 which was a day that not only changed the lives of tens of thousands of slaves in the United States, it also marked the change of our country’s history. Recognized as the date that slavery officially ended in America, Juneteenth has been celebrated for more than 150 years.

More Than Just a Beautiful Beach | The Historically Rich Hilton Head Island Story

June 21, 2019

View Page By Luana M. Graves Sellars A replica of a typical Gullah Bateau courtesy of the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Known for its balmy breezes, beautiful beaches and the

Mitchelville: America’s First Self-Governed Town for Freed Slaves

May 23, 2019

By Luana M. Graves Sellars Cover artwork American Gullah By Sonja Griffin Evans “Good colored people, you have a great work to do, and you are in a position of

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