Being a part of the National Network of Freedom is an incredible opportunity for Hilton Head for a variety of reasons. One important reason is that it makes Hilton Head’s historical value an even greater part of the American story. Mitchelville is a strong piece of America’s history that needs to be shared.
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.
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.
Most black people doing research get frustrated when they hit what I referred to as the “1870’s slave wall.” The “slave wall” is sometimes the end of most family tree searches, because most slave owners often did not record their slaves’ names or information because of their status as property prior to the abolishment of slavery in 1865.
Beaufort County, South Carolina has a rich cultural history. Home to the towns of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Port Royal and Beaufort, the county was instrumental during and after the Civil War.
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
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
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
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.
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
