Among the many islands on the South Carolina coast lies Hilton Head Island. Half a million descendants of the West Africans brought here as slaves lived in Hilton Head since the early 1500’s, as South Carolina was a promising area for rice plantations. However, surviving in those climatic conditions was not easy. As the Africans were adapted to these climatic conditions, they were brought here to work on the plantations.
The Centuries old culture
These slaves brought with them their rich West African culture, customs and traditions, which they passed on to their children; generation after generation. When slavery was abolished in 1750, these people continued to inhabit this island, as their homes and livelihood were deeply rooted into the island. Since the abolition of slavery, the island people have successfully preserved their culture, heritage, language and customs.
The culture is not known as African, but was christened as the Gullah Geechee culture. It was officially designated so by the United States Congress in 2006. Gullah is the name given to the islanders in South Carolina and Geechee is the name given to islanders of Georgia. Therefore, the area from Wilmington, North Carolina in the North to Jacksonville, Florida in the South is known as the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.
The Hilton Head Island is among these lands and provides an insight into the unique Gullah Geechee culture. What’s more, the Hilton Head activities including biking, a trip to the museum,and more make it a great place for a vacation.
So, if you are looking for a new type of vacation experience, book your tour with the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours to this island blessed with nature’s bounty.
To know more
70 Honey Horn Road
Hilton Head Island,
SC 29925
Phone No: (843) 681-7066
Phone No: (843) 681-7066
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