The Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor In South Carolina Winds Through 183 Miles Of Coastal History

The Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor is a federal National Heritage Area designated by Congress to recognize the unique culture of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans who have traditionally resided in the coastal areas and the sea islands of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. They were brought from countries like Sierra Leone and Angola to work the rice, cotton, and indigo plantations thriving in the region.

The owners left their plantations in the capable hands of African overseers, a practice that continued well into the Civil War. This provided opportunities for the Sea Island slaves to keep their African traditions alive with a richer quality than inland cities and states have. They have preserved their unique way of life and have developed local museums, exhibits, and festivals to help raise awareness about their rich heritage and culture. The corridor stretches for 12,000 square miles from Pender County, North Carolina, to St. Johns County, Florida, and is comprised of many places that are historically and culturally significant to the Gullah Geechee people. The Gullah Geechee Heritage corridor in South Carolina winds along 183 miles of coastline and includes 17 places, more than the other states in the corridor.

Visit the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission website for a complete list of the places included in the corridor. We are highlighting a handful here, but you'll want to check the others out as well!

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet

Starting on the North Carolina end of our portion of the corridor, Brookgreen Gardens hosts an annual event called the Gullah Geechee Junkanoo. Check the website for details on this year's event, including dates, times, and special activities.

The Rice Museum in Georgetown

The Rice Museum also holds special events from time to time. This image was from "A Holiday Gullah High Tea" featuring Jacqueline Williams and her collection of holiday blended teas:

"Plum Delight," "Sweet Obsession," and "Rice and Rose". Follow The Rice Museum on Facebook for updates and announcements of future events.

Drayton Hall in Charleston

Take a tour of the Drayton Hall Plantation and attend one of their special events. Visit the Drayton Hall Facebook page for information on upcoming and past events of interest.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston

"Living History Through the Eyes of the Enslaved" was offered at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in collaboration with the Slave Dwelling Project, created by Joseph McGill, Magnolia’s History and Culture Coordinator. Through this project, a group of African American historians have been assembled who are doing ongoing research to bring up close and authentic educational demonstrations to the public. Visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens website for information on current and upcoming events.

The Gullah Museum on Hilton Head Island

Finally, visit the Gullah Museum website to check details on previous and upcoming events, including the Ole Fashioned Oyster Roast, 4th of July Celebration, a summer enrichment camp, a food festival, and a Christmas event!

Have you visited any of the places along the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor? If you’ve been to more than one, which one is your favorite and why? Share with us in the comments section below.

Have some delicious Gullah cuisine in South Carolina at Gullah Gullah Fish in downtown Manning!