Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

An incredible untold story coming to life. A sad point in American history, but a remarkable testament to dignity and resilience. Mitchelville is well worth a visit. The pinegrove setting next to the Salt Marsh and boardwalk is so serene, I'd go just for that. But learning about freedom from enslavement is the message here.

Amazing Gem tucked away leaving Fish Haul . Tells the history of free slaves being given land and lumber to build their own self governing town , by General Mitchell..Escaped slaves came here, worked , found their families, but 4 churches and schools. First town in GA to have mandatory school for all kids 8 - 15 !! Harriet Tubman came there. They're instructing several.buildi GS and house with lots of informational signs ,& more

This was a really beautiful history park. Really well done. Lots of interesting facts to read. A beautiful walk around the property. There's a boardwalk that takes you out into the marsh a little bit. Shaded and comfortable. Interesting drive up the island to get there.

Great educational experience for homeschooling & non homeschool families. This park is a must if you’re in the area.

This was an important part of history that I had t learned about. I’m very glad we visited. The park is very well done.

The park seemed geared toward older children. It was educational and pleasant. There was a very positive and peaceful vibe felt throughout. The trail led to a beach which was unexpected . We waded in the water as a gigantic eagle observed near by. There were lots of Jellyfish, fortunately the kind that don't sting, fyi. The park is dog friendly per the sign. Pet bags are available. The restrooms were clean and stocked. I'd love to revisit!

This place is so beautiful! Very peaceful and we even saw an eagle! They have a beach access, a pier, bathrooms, and a water fountain! The historical facts and displays are placed very nicely and offer tons of information! They have picnic benches to sit down and eat!

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is a must-see if you're visiting Hilton Head. It tells the powerful story of the first self-governed town of freed African Americans in the U.S. The park is peaceful, well-kept, and full of informative signs and exhibits that help bring the history to life. It’s a great place to reflect, learn, and appreciate the strength of the people who lived there. The natural beauty of the area—oak trees, open fields, and water views—makes it even more special. Perfect for a meaningful walk, a family outing, or just some quiet time. Highly recommend!

Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is an important cultural asset for the Town of Hilton Head Island. As the location of the first freedmen community established during the Civil War, Mitchelville has local, regional and national historic significance that can be celebrated. Located near the end of Beach City Road on the north end of Hilton Head Island, this park features historic exhibits, interpretive signage, trails, beach access, a picnic pavilion, an observation gazebo and restroom facilities. It is also home to a Toni Morrison bench, placed there by the Toni Morrison Society in 2013.

This site includes a set of panorama-style representations of an early community here that makes for an interesting history. It also adjoins a large marsh which offers some views. A nature trail leads to the beach, offering opportunity to diversify one's afternoon with a mix of history and nature. The amount of history left on the island seems too small at times, but this is one of the better places to look for it, modest as the exhibits are.

This was one of my most recent discovery near Hilton Head. Park had good parking and lighting. Due to the Battle of the Bulge, Mitchelville became the first self-governed town of freed Africans in the country. Escaped slaves settled here during the Civil war working for the union doing various trades. There are plenty of educational signs thru out the park. This is "Where Freedom Began' for over 3,000 residents. Lots of trails down to the beach. Men were recruited for the on-going Civil War and Black soldiers built nearby Fort Howell to protect Mitchelville. Fort Howell has its own parking and is not far from this location, great walking trail as well. Great way to spend some time learning about Gullah history. The park is well maintained and clean. I enjoyed my day wandering the town and parks.

History and a park and access to a boardwalk over the water. Dating back to November 1861 during the Civil War, Union forces attacked two Confederate forts here. The "Battle of Port Royal" drove the Union Army to set their headquarters on Hilton Head Island. Escaped slaves settled here and ended up working for the Union in various trade capacities such as laundry, carpentry, blacksmithing and cooking. The space that is now Mitchelville was dedicated for these folks by the Union general. The freedmen elected their own officials, created their own system of law, built churches and homes. At its height, Mitchelville had over 3000 residents. It truly is "Where Freedom Began." There is more than adequate dirt parking, restrooms, several trails, and a boardwalk that goes out a couple hundred feet over the water with an observation deck. The picnic area is in good condition. [Review 14369 overall, 1694 of 2020, number 736 in South Carolina.]

We had fun exploring the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park and the nearby beach. Our kids loved exploring the coast because there were many shells to collect and birds, crabs, and other animals to watch. We came here at the recommendation of a friend to hunt for shark teeth. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we didn't find any shark teeth, but we did pickup a lot of cool shells and coral pieces.

I've said for many years how much Hilton Head Island seems as if it has a homing beacon to my soul. Never could I explain why, until our latest visit took me touring around the island looking for historical sites, which I hadn't really explored before. We've done really all there is to do on the island in terms of the touristy things, so this time we were in search of hidden gems. My self-guided tour led me to the Rear Range Lighthouse, Baynard Plantation Ruins, Zion Chapel of Ease, Cherry Street School, HH Steam Gun, the Coastal Discovery Museum and Mitchelville Freedom Park. [ EXPERIENCE THE PARK ] When you arrive, you will find a large gravel parking area under several large trees with huge overhead canopies. A few small (faux) structures have been erected to give a town sort of feel, but the Mitchelville Preservation Project is working to excavate other nearby sites to add to the history that has been demolished over time. One of the most scenic features is the boardwalk to the gazebo overlooking Fish Haul Creek marshland. There are a couple of historic items such as an old wagon, a row boat and a 'bench by the road' which is one of 19 benches around the world established as a "reflection of the ignored, unknown and forgotten African-American Ancestors and their influence on the lives and events that helped shape the world." *** The name "Bench by the Road" is taken from Toni Morrison's remarks in a 1989 interview with World Magazine where she spoke of the absences of historical markers that help remember the lives of Africans who were enslaved and of how her fifth novel, Beloved, served this symbolic role: "There is no place you or I can go, to think about or not think about, to summon the presences of, or recollect the absences of slaves . . . There is no suitable memorial, or plaque, or wreath, or wall, or park, or skyscraper lobby. There's no 300-foot tower, there's no small bench by the road. There is not even a tree scored, an initial that I can visit or you can visit in Charleston or Savannah or New York or Providence or better still on the banks of the Mississippi. And because such a place doesn't exist . . . the book had to". NOTE: Above was taken from the Toni Morrison Society. BELOVED was adapted to screen by Oprah Winfrey in 1998. *** [ HISTORY ] I've always known that African Americans have a heavy, yet quiet presence on the island and have for centuries, but what I learned on this trip blew my mind. Hilton Head Island, and specifically the area near Fort Howell, became THE FIRST SELF-GOVERNING FREED BLACK TOWN in the United State, several years before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The Union army attacked the two Confederate forts on the island November 7, 1861and later drove the Confederate forces to retreat to the mainland. Many sought freedom and flocked to the island. Barracks soon became overcrowded, so General Ormsby Mitchel dedicated a large parcel of the land to the newly freed slaves to cultivate, elect their own officials, create their own laws, school, and establishing churches and retail stores. History says when the school district was created in 1866, there were 238 students in the town. Men were recruited for the on-going Civil War and Black soldiers built nearby Fort Howell to protect Mitchelville. They even raced horses along the beaches for entertainment and manufactured sweet grass baskets and fishing nets. These baskets are still practiced and sold today at the street markets in nearby Savannah. It is said Michelville became a template for future freedmen towns and accumulated over 3,000 residents at its peak. The website says: "Even though the citizens of this important community moved on from the physical property, their connection to the town endures through their descendants and the impact of the first taste of African American independence. Mitchelville truly is: Where Freedom Began" Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16754502 Project aspirations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoCeNBFdxLI Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8Uo3bnpLRg&feature=emb_logo *** [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] So now my mind wonders if I truly have any generational connection to this place. It's probably a long shot, but again, it has always been strange to me just how much I love visiting the island. I RARELY vacation anywhere more than a few times, no matter how much I enjoy the area. My motto is: THERE IS TOO MUCH WORLD TO SEE to keep going back to the same place. However that has never applied to Hilton Head. Not only do I not mind coming here often, I always hate to leave! Now at least I feel validated in my desire to be here considering its historic importance. ANCESTRIAL CONNECTION or NOT, I'm proud to have this historic beauty as my 1,300th review and final post of 2020!!! PS - I've been having trouble with yelp connecting my pics to my reviews lately, but I have posted plenty of them if you care to visit my latest photos. 2020 / 120

Beautiful Park With a inspiring and strong history! I am having my small wedding ceremony here under the great oak tree!

Mitchelville was a highlight of our recent trip to Hilton Head. The docent was knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share with us. We loved exploring the park and watching the archeologists at work.