Beach City Road, Hilton Head, South Carolina
THE FIRST SELF-GOVERNED FREEDMEN’S TOWN IN AMERICA
Before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 and at the height of the Civil War, a group of escaped slaves, considered “contraband of war”, set about creating their own town on the grounds of the former Drayton Plantation on Hilton Head Island. Here Union General Ormsby Mitchel, created an actual town – instead of one of the more prevalent camps – with orderly streets, simple but accommodating wooden homes, a church, and most importantly, gave its inhabitants the freedom to govern themselves.
For more information: /www.hiltonheadisland.org/gullah/the-mitchelville-story/
Preserve freedom, show kindness and respect for all
Alice