Hilton Head Island Preserves Historic Mitchelville
Hilton Head Island has taken a significant step towards preserving its rich history. A recent land purchase of 26 acres on the island’s north end is part of a heartwarming effort to protect and celebrate the legacy of Mitchelville, the very first self-governed town of freedmen and refugees escaping slavery in the United States. Undoubtedly, this is a momentous occasion that will resonate with future generations!
A New Chapter for Mitchelville
The recently acquired land lies conveniently across the street from the Mitchelville Freedom Park, which is a poignant reminder of the area’s deep-rooted history. Town officials, including Mayor Alan Perry, have expressed their enthusiasm over this new property. “The first freedom village in the country is right here, and that’s a very important aspect,” Perry shared with excitement. Protecting this area is paramount, given its significance to the local community and history.
While the excitement surrounding the purchase is palpable, the cost is still under evaluation and is expected to range between $10 million and $11.75 million. Nevertheless, the commitment to preserving Mitchelville’s legacy remains unwavering.
History Comes Alive
To appreciate the importance of Mitchelville, we must go back in time—over 162 years ago to the 1860s. After Union soldiers launched an ambitious assault on Hilton Head, the local Confederate defenders fled, leaving behind plantation owners and enslaved people who suddenly found their lives transformed by freedom. Within a mere week, many individuals escaped from nearby plantations and arrived at Hilton Head, joining those already there in search of a new life. This critical moment established the foundation for what would become a thriving community.
Thanks to the efforts of Maj. Gen. Ormsby Mitchel, these newly freed individuals were granted approximately 300 acres to call home. In a short span, they created a way of life characterized by houses, businesses, schools, and community governance. The town blossomed with about 500 houses and a population fluctuating between 1,500 to 3,000 residents. Mitchelville became a genuine epicenter of activity on the island.
Preserving the Legacy
Fast forward to today, and the remnants of what was once a bustling town now reside within a park on the northern edge of Hilton Head Island. A sign situated at the park entrance echoes a powerful message—”Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park: Where Freedom Began.” With this new land acquisition, the dream of preserving and sharing the legacy of Mitchelville is actively unfolding.
Recently, the park introduced an exciting addition known as “Ghosted Structures,” as part of a larger $22.8 million preservation and restoration initiative. Executive Director Ahmad Ward has shared big plans that include the reconstruction of freedmen’s houses and gardens, a sprawling 18,000-square-foot interpretive center with stunning vistas overlooking the Port Royal Sound, and an archaeology lab combined with an auditorium for research and excavations centered on this historical site. Furthermore, a plaza, accented by a boulder from Sierra Leone, will serve as a thoughtful tribute to the community’s origins.
A Bright Future Ahead
This commitment to preserving the past is inspiring, and the efforts being made for Historic Mitchelville serve to educate not just locals, but visitors as well. With plans in motion to honor the legacy of those who fought for their freedom, Hilton Head Island is truly fostering a sense of pride within its community.
This project reminds us all that history is not merely a thing of the past; it’s alive, and it shapes our present and future. In preserving the stories of Mitchelville, Hilton Head Island is ensuring that its rich heritage continues to enlighten and inspire for generations to come.
