Illuminating An Inclusive History

No story about the South’s rise to wealth can be told without the story of enslaved Africans brought to its shores. Their skills, knowledge and strength powered the South’s economic engine, and at one time, the Lowcountry was one of the wealthiest regions in the world due to its enslaved workforce. As North America’s largest port of entry for the Transatlantic Slave Trade, an estimated 40% of all enslaved Africans tracked to the continent arrived through the Charleston harbor. Although a cornerstone of prosperity in the colonies and the fledgling country, the contributions of African Americans were largely overlooked for centuries. Many plantation sites focused primarily on the grandiose architecture and the history of the white families. However, an ever-growing list of historic properties are telling a more complete story of the past.

Dating to 1670, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is South Carolina’s first permanent English settlement site, where enslaved Africans arrived with European colonists who had previously established profitable sugar cane plantations in Barbados. The efforts of these enslaved people not only strengthened the area’s economic vitality but also contributed to its defense against potential attackers. The site’s visitor center museum chronicles this history.

The property now known as Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mount Pleasant was founded in 1681 and became a major producer of cash crops such as rice, indigo and cotton. By the end of the 19th century, it was the leading supplier of U.S. pecans, due to its enslaved workforce. Learn about these people—their culture, traditions and stories—during the live presentation of Exploring The Gullah Culture, shared by true descendants of the Gullah Geechee people of the Lowcountry and Sea Islands. Then, explore the newly renovated Cotton Gin House, originally built in the 1850s for processing cotton, which today features a visitor center, gift shop and museum.

The 37-acre McLeod Plantation Historic Site in Charleston defines itself as a Gullah Geechee park for giving equal attention to the lives of the Europeans who established the cotton plantation and the lives of the enslaved who built and operated it. Through its tours, exhibits and interpretive programming, visitors also gain insight into the role of the free Black Massachusetts 55th Volunteer Infantry, the Freedmen’s Bureau when stationed at McLeod, and the emergence of the vibrant Gullah culture so prominent throughout the Lowcountry.

In addition to historic slave dwellings, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in Charleston offers programming that defines the contributions of enslaved Africans who built and operated the rice plantation and, subsequently, its expansive gardens. Since 1991, Middleton Place in Charleston has featured a permanent exhibit called Beyond the Fields, displayed at Eliza’s House, a Reconstruction-era African American freedman’s dwelling. The focal point is a panel with the names of more than 2,800 men, women and children who were enslaved by the Middleton family. In addition, Middleton Place offers living history demonstrations of blacksmithing, pottery making and other skills of enslaved workers.

After extensive research with descendant families like the Henleys, Goodwins and Wigfalls, the Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site in Beech Island interprets the lives and work of enslaved Africans who built wealth for one of South Carolina’s governors. The park’s interpretive programming discusses their roles from slavery, through sharecropping to eventually paid employment. While these are just a few of the important African American interpretive sites in South Carolina, all of these historic destinations inspire discussion and reflection, and help visitors more fully appreciate the complex and often challenging history that led to the success of the American South. 

Preserving Gullah Geechee Heritage

For hundreds of years, the Gullah Geechee people have lived on the coast of South Carolina. The descendants of enslaved Africans, this group has preserved much of its rich culture, language, food history and traditions. Here are five ways to experience it for yourself.

The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island maintains Gullah traditions, customs, stories, songs and structures. On Daufuskie Island, take the three-hour Gullah Tour narrated by sixth-generation native Sallie Ann Robinson to learn about her ancestors. Peruse authentic Gullah handicrafts such as heirloom-quality sweetgrass baskets at Charleston City Market, established in 1807. Savor Lowcountry specialties such as crab rice, oxtail and shark steak at the family-owned Hannibal’s Kitchen in Charleston. Listen to acapella group Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers perform Gullah poetry, spirituals and storytelling.