Historical Sites on Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is filled with historic sights that not only offer an insight to what life used to be like, but it offers an idea of why it still stands to be such an important place. These places teach us things about how the Gullah people and others lived in this land, a expands ones vision of history. Here’s a roundup of historical places to visit on Hilton Head Island. Some might surprise you!
#1 HISTORIC MITCHELLVILLE FREEDOM PARK
One “must see” historical spot on Hilton Head Island is Historic Mitchelville Park. During the Civil War, emancipated slaves fled to Hilton Head Island. They took refuge in a town established by General Mitchel. Now called Mitchelville, became the first self-governed freedman’s town in the US. During the war, freed slaves built this town from the ground up and strived to make it a home filled with schooling, academics, residencies, work, and spirituality. Mitchelville is open to tourists and visitors in groups or people who want to experience the past culture there themselves.
#2 THE ZION CHAPEL OF EASE
This was the first chapel on Hilton Head Island built in 1788. In the late 18th and 19th centuries this spot was the center of all activity. It is home to the oldest building on Hilton Head Island, the Baynard Mausoleum built in 1846 by a Plantation owner, William Baynard. It holds graves and memorials for Isaac Baldwin, James Davant, John Stoney, and Charles Davant, who were all Revolutionary War Patriots. Charles Davant is the only known Patriot casualty on Hilton Head.
#3 FORT MITCHEL
In early 1862, the fort was built on a bluff with views of Skull Creek. This was part of fortifications spaced on Hilton Head Island from Skull Creek to Fort Sherman. After Major General Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel passed on October 30, 1862, the fort was named after him in honoring.
At Binya, we’re interested in history and our evolution as an island. Visiting these historic and fascinating sites are a great way to honor our past. If you are looking to do more than just visit the beach or pool on Hilton Head this summer, be sure to check out these places!