Hilton Head Island Preserves Historic Mitchelville for Future Generations
HILTON HEAD ISLAND — In a significant move that celebrates history and cultural heritage, a new effort is underway to preserve the historic significance of Mitchelville, recognized as the country’s first self-governed town for freedmen and refugees escaping slavery. This effort was bolstered by the recent purchase of 26 acres of undeveloped land on the island’s north end, ensuring that this impactful narrative remains alive for generations to come.
The land purchase was facilitated by Beaufort County’s Green Space Committee, which is dedicated to preserving open spaces and enhancing the community’s recreational opportunities. Situated just across the street from the Mitchelville Freedom Park, this addition exemplifies the commitment to safeguarding this landmark site, which holds immense historical importance.
Hilton Head Island’s Mayor Alan Perry expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, “The first freedom village in the country is there and that’s a very important aspect. That whole area is a native islander community. It is a very sensitive area, and we want to make certain it’s protected.” As the town pushes ahead with the acquisition, officials are currently determining the land’s total cost, likely to range between $10 million and $11.75 million.
A Journey Back in Time
To understand the significance of Mitchelville, we must look back to its origins over 162 years ago. In September 1862, amid the Civil War, Union soldiers launched an attack on the northeast coast of Hilton Head. With the Confederate defenses crumbling, plantation owners fled, leaving behind enslaved individuals seeking freedom. A sense of newfound liberty blossomed as former slaves began to gather on the island.
Union forces quickly took action, and with the support of Maj. Gen. Ormsby Mitchel, the island’s previously enslaved individuals were given about 300 acres to call home. What followed was nothing short of remarkable: These courageous individuals built a community, establishing homes, businesses, schools, and even a governing body. Mitchelville became a hub of hope, with a thriving population of anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 freedmen.
Preserving the Legacy
Today, the footprint of this once-bustling town exists as a park on the island’s northern edge, greeted by a sign proclaiming, “Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park: Where Freedom Began.” It is here that a renewed effort is emerging to unveil and preserve the rich history of Mitchelville. A recent initiative led to the unveiling of “Ghosted Structures,” part of a larger $22.8 million restoration and preservation project aimed at educating the public about this historical gem.
According to Ahmad Ward, the park’s executive director, “These folks went from being property to owning property. We cannot underscore enough the importance (of Mitchelville) not just to this region, but to South Carolina as a whole.” Future plans for the park include the reconstructions of the freedmen’s houses and gardens, a spacious 18,000-square-foot interpretive center offering stunning views of the Port Royal Sound, and an 4,000-square-foot archaeology lab that will promote extensive research on the historical site.
Investing in the Future
The new land purchase and the revitalization of Mitchelville serve as an invitation for everyone to engage with this vital piece of history. As work continues, the park will flourish into a robust center for learning and community engagement. Chosen to anchor a plaza will be a special boulder sourced from Sierra Leone, symbolizing the connection between past and present, creating a space where stories are shared for years to come.
As Hilton Head Island embarks on this journey of preservation, it remains clear that the story of Mitchelville is not just a chapter in history but a vibrant testament to resilience, community, and freedom. By investing in this legacy, town officials are ensuring that Mitchelville rightfully takes its place in the broader narrative of American history.
