Lowcountry Region
The African American Coastal Trail

Marker commemorating point of entry of countless enslaved Africans. Photo courtesy National Park Service.

For more than three hundred years the coastal wet lands and sea shores have been shaped and reshaped by the trials, tribulations, and accomplishments of those who settled the coast. From the very beginning African Americans have been a part of that history. Nearly every aspect of this area's culture has been defined by African American influence. The story of coastal Carolina can still be enjoyed today in the form of historically significant tales, people, and the traces they have left behind. Follow the African American Coastal Heritage trails and explore what our ancestors never imagined would become history.

The Coastal Trail begins near the historic town of McClellanville, SC. Just north of town off Hwy 17, nestled in the forest on the Santee River, lies Hampton Plantation State Historic Site. The main house (Big House) of Hampton Plantation was built in the mid-1700s, and the plantation was home to more than 320 enslaved Africans.

Porgy and Bess Revisited quilt by Marlene O'Bryant Seabrook.

One of the many ways in which the African American community has come together, organized, and prospered can be seen about every five miles or so on Hwy 17. The AME church has served as a pillar of the community and incubator for the constant struggle for liberation and community development. Other attractions located on Hwy 17 include the fine masonry slave cabins at Boone Hall Plantation, Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, which compares and contrasts the lives of slaves to their owners, and scores of traditional sweetgrass basketmakers. Just off Hwy 17 on Sullivan's Island, Fort Moultrie stands guard over Charleston Harbor. A visit to this 18th-century site includes learning the history of the legendary 54th Massachusetts infantry regiment, active during the Civil War, and the "pest houses" where Africans were quarantined. A historic marker recognizes Sullivans Island as one of the most significant places where Africans were first brought to this country, highlights the extreme conditions Africans suffered during the Middle Passage, and credits the many contributions African Americans made to the development of this nation's history. Relive the history of the Echo, a slave ship that was captured and brought to Ft. Sumter in 1858 while touring Ft. Sumter National Monument.

Courtesy College of Charleston Archives.

By crossing the lofty Cooper River Bridge, the traveler descends to the peninsula that is downtown Charleston. The city is filled with many sites relating to African American heritage and culture. To visit these many sites and to learn more, stop at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture on Bull Street. A division of the College of Charleston, this building served as the Avery Normal Institute until 1954. Other sites not to be missed include Emanuel AME Church, Calhoun Street, the Slave Mart Museum, Chalmers Street (opening soon), slave quarters at the Aiken-Rhett House, Elizabeth Street, and the Denmark Vesey House, 56 Bull Street (private residence).

Visit McLeod Plantation on nearby James Island while driving south. McLeod offers unique wooden slave cabins and a lovely avenue of oaks. While on James Island you will find the Seashore Farmers Lodge, and King Solomon Farmers' Union, Lodge Hall #3. Continue on Hwy 17 south towards Johns Island. Once on the island visit Hebron Presbyterian Church (Bohicket Rd.). The church was built of lumber salvaged from a shipwreck and became home to the first African American to be trained as a missionary for the Presbyterian Church.

While touring the Sea Islands stop at any number of local stands selling vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Just past Johns Island about 12 miles south of Charleston you will find the site of the Stono River slave rebellion. This rebellion took place in 1739 when Spanish Florida offered lands to Africans and African Americans.

African dance at the Kwanzaa Karamu. Photo by William Green.

Visit beautiful Edisto Island. Plantations on this pristine Sea Island were world renowned for their long-staple cotton. The Africans and African Americans would plant, tend and harvest this crop, then take it to town by barge along creeks and rivers. These plantations are private property today: however, a local tour operator offers a glimpse into the past. Before enjoying lunch or dinner at one of the local cafes visit the Zion Baptist Church. This grand c. 1818 church was given to black Baptists by Hepzibah Townsend in 1845.

Down by Hope Plantation, by Bernadette Cali.

Upon leaving Edisto, notice the many fine vernacular AME churches that line the route through Adam's Run on Hwy 174. Continue to travel Hwy 17 until the Coastal Trail connects with the Folkways and Communities Trail.

Alice's Fine Foods
468 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Down-home cooking and fine seafood cafeteria style. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Catering also available. (843) 853-9366.

Dynasty Restaurant
5341 Dorchester Road, North Charleston, SC 29418
Exotic & Caribbean cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. Delivery and catering services available. (843) 767-0080.

Ernie's Restaurant
64 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 723-8591.

The Food Bar
1744 Hwy 17N., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-8063.

Gullah Cuisine
1717 Hwy 17N., P.O. Box 1321, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Lowcountry restaurant specializing in okra gumbo, gullah rice, Hoppin' John, collards, cabbage, succotash. Tues.-Fri., Lunch and Dinner. (843) 881-9076.

H&R Sweet Shop
102 Royall Ave., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 884-2118.

La Tasha's Taste of New Orleans
43 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Authentic Louisiana cuisine and fine seafood. LaTasha's provides a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Catering also available. (843) 723-3222.

LJ's 587
587 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Dancing, live Reggae and Jazz. Party and conference arrangements upon request.

Martha Lou's Kitchen
1068 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
Specializing in soul food, corn bread, bread pudding, etc. Serving breakfast and fresh fish daily. (843) 577-9583.

Soul Vegetarian South
3225-A Rivers Ave., Charleston, SC 29405
All foods are 100% natural. Soups, sandwiches, salads, fresh juices, creamy shakes and much more. (843) 744-1155.

Swanee's Restaurant
7648 Northwoods Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29408
Sandwiches, salads, side dishes and much more. (843) 820-1325.

Wali's Fish Supreme
119 Spring Street, Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 853-2517.

Ebony City Tours
P.O. Box 1567, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 769-4436.

Gullah Tours
9 Trachelle Lane, Charleston, SC 29407
Tour African American historical sites and hear Charleston folktales told in Gullah. (843) 556-7243.

Just for You Tours
Explore the Caribbean Trail
(843) 571-4165.

TOURRific Tours
25 8th Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403
Sandra Campbell's 2 - 2 1/2 hour walking tours of the historic district focusing on Charleston's rich history and diverse cultures. (843) 853-2500.

Sites & Insights Tours, Inc.
P.O. Box 21346, Charleston, SC 29413
One and two hour tours of Charleston's black history. A one hour Porgy and Bess tour is also available. (843) 762-0051.

African Collections
36 Waterway Island Drive, Isle of Palms, SC
(843) 886-6071.

Avery Research Center for African American Culture
College of Charleston, 125 Bull Street, Charleston, SC 29424
(843) 953-7609.

Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society Museum
2343 Hwy 174, PO Box 393, Edisto Island, SC
(843) 869-1954.

Gallery Chuma
43 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403
A showcase of African & African American art. Original works from local, national, and international artists. (843) 722-7568.

Museum On the Common and Shem Creek Maritime Museum
510 Mill Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 849-9000.

With These Hands Gallery
Hwy. 174, Edisto Island, SC
The best of American handmade and local art. Next to the Old Post Office Restaurant. (843) 869-3509.

Boutique Afrika
3225-A Rivers Ave., Charleston, SC 29405
Finest African garments, authentic art, jewelry, oils, books, tapes, incense and much more. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-8pm. Sat 11am-8pm, closed Sun. (843) 744-1155.

Gullah Enterprises
P.O. Box 1490, Johns Island, SC 29457
Historical, cultural interpretation of the Gullah people. (843) 559-9942.

Nusouth Apparel
52 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Contemporary fashions, art and accessories. <www.nusouth.com> Toll Free 1-888-327-6884.

Sa Hera Maa Enterprises
P.O. Box 32307, Charleston, SC 29417
Educational videos Step-on tour guide services, story-telling and African dance performances. (843) 767-4398.

Utopia
27 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 853-9510.

Boone Hall Plantation
Hwy. 17 N., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Original plantation buildings include 18th century slave cabins. (843) 884-4371.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
1254 Longpoint Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Offers a unique view into the past with visions of how the lives of slaves in the area molded and built a society. Managed by the National Park Service. (843) 881-5516.

Charleston Visitor Reception and Transportation Center
375 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC
(843) 853-8000. Information on dining, lodging and touring.

East Cooper Heritage Trail
P.O. Box 43, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29465
A 90-minute step-on guided historical and cultural journey highlighting the experiences of African Americans east of Charleston. Advanced reservations needed. (843) 881-3275.

Edisto Beach State Park
8377 State Cabin Road, Edisto Island, SC 29438
Beach front park of nearly 3 miles with cabins on marsh and camping by ocean. (843) 869-2756.

Edisto Chamber of Commerce
Edisto Island, SC
Visitor information for Edisto Island and Edisto Beach. (843) 869-3867.

Fort Sumter
Charleston Harbor
Historic fort where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Built by slave labor from locally made bricks. (843) 722-BOAT.

Fort Moultrie
1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC
Moultrie was active until WWII and is now owned by the National Park Service. (843) 883-3123.

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
1950 Rutledge Road, McClellenville, SC
Georgian style plantation house on Santee River offers unique look at rural plantation life and African American interpretation. (843) 546-9361.

Kiawah Island Visitor Center
Bohicket Road, Johns Island, SC
(843) 868-8118.

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 Hwy. 17N., Awendaw, SC
Information on Francis Marion National Forest and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. (843) 928-3368.

Town of McClellanville
405 Pinckney Street, McClellanville, SC
Don't miss the Village Museum in the heart of town. (843) 887-3712.