Gullah Culture Thrives in South Carolina

on Apr 19, 2025

----

By Bonnie and Bill Neely

Gullah-Geechee heritage is unique to South Carolina, and a visit here is a fascinating way to learn about the people who grew world-famous Sea Island cotton on plantations in the lower part of the state. From here they shipped it to Europe from the 1700s until the Civil War. Now the historic area of the plantation cotton farms has been officially preserved.

"The discovery of this area of Coosaw that appeared to be captured in time and held for the appropriate use in the way foods are when we preserve them in the Gullah-Geechee Nation is not only significant to us but is a blessing," said Queen Quet, chieftess of the Gullah-Geechee Nation. "The Gullah-Geechee Sea Island Coalition and the Gullah-Geechee Nation's leaders are pleased that we can continue our ongoing coalition with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which was created in 1974."

This is the first land and historic preservation of its kind in the United States (in concert with other state agencies), and the local Gullah people are assisting with the research to set aside a portion of the state's rich natural and cultural resources in a system of heritage preserves to be protected for present and future generations.

Other places in the South Carolina Sea Islands are worthy of a visit for several reasons. Some of the sandy beaches for which the state is world-renowned are here, and the city of Beaufort is a jewel of history, delightful restaurants and many activities that include the old-timey carriage ride to learn the important history of the area. Unique shops abound, and it is fun to watch the shrimp boats come in or to sit along the bay in the swings and take in the water activities in front of you. The park provides lovely play areas, and as a Northern friend remarked when visiting, "I can't believe how very friendly everyone is!"

Penn Center nearby has a museum commemorating the first school for African Americans, established just after the emancipation of the enslaved people. White teachers from the North began educating the children of former slaves in the surrounding area. You will want to spend several hours here.

On St. Helen Island, just eight minutes across the bridge from Beaufort at 870 Sea Island Parkway, is another historical treasure not to miss: the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Visitors' Center and Ly Benson's Gallery and Studio. This is a historical gallery that features local African American history.

Included in the collection at this small museum are many pieces of folk-art paintings, gifts and rare (extremely valuable) Zimbabwe Shona Verdite sculptures. This is the largest collection of this rare green rock sculpture in the world. Imported African baskets are also on display.

All around these islands we saw local women beside the roadways weaving Sea Island baskets, copying the amazing talents and patterns of the older imported ones. These locally made baskets are valuable treasures to purchase as souvenirs.

We learned a lot in the Robert Smalls historic room, discovering the incredible life of the deeply respected enslaved man who became a Civil War hero by commandeering a Confederate ship and piloting himself and 16 other slaves to freedom. Later he served in the South Carolina Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Paintings and hand-woven textiles are also beautifully displayed here, artwork for serious collectors because of their high quality of craftsmanship and uniqueness to this area. We purchased a Gullah Bible, which we so enjoy reading in the lyrical-sounding words of the Gullah language (sometimes called Geechee), the creole vernacular spoken primarily by African Americans living on the seaboard of South Carolina.

Because slaves in the 1800s came from different places with different languages in Africa, it was difficult for them to converse with each other. They developed this language based on English but modified and influenced by the many different languages. The language is still spoken by some today, and we found it beautiful to hear.

Just across the street from the cultural center we found the Gullah Grub Cafe, which uses locally sourced ingredients and historic recipes from the Low Country and Gullah-Geechee heritage to create the menu.

Time your visit to this historical and beautiful welcoming area of South Carolina to enjoy the annual Gullah-Geechee Festival, which this year is May 22-25.

----

WHEN YOU GO

For more information: originalgullahfestival.org or 843-838-2402.

Beaufort Visitor Bureau: beaufortsc.org or 843-525-8500.

gullahgeecheenation.com/gullahgeechee-sea-island-coalition

Gullah Grub Cafe: gullahgrub.com

Penn Center: penncenter.com

Bonnie Neely is the author of "Real Ventures: Did We Really Do That?" which is available at www.amazon.com. She and her husband Bill are freelance writers. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

----