Mitchelville Freedom Park
Mitchelville Freedom Park, a historic landmark, holds great significance in American history as it was the first self-governing town for freed slaves during the Civil War.
History:
In 1862, Union troops advanced on Hilton Head Island and surrounding areas, forcing plantation owners to flee and leaving behind thousands of enslaved people. In this chaotic environment, these newly liberated individuals formed their own community known as Mitchelville.
Mitchelville was named after General Ormsby M. Mitchel who led the Union forces that captured Hilton Head Island. Under the direction of General Mitchel and Brigadier General Rufus Saxton, a group of educated African American men and women were selected to lead the new community.
One of the most unique aspects of Mitchelville was its self-governing structure. The town had its own elected officials, including a mayor and council members, who made decisions for the community. This gave freed slaves a rare opportunity to govern themselves and their own affairs. The village also had its own public school system, churches, businesses, and a military training camp for black soldiers. It was a thriving community that provided refuge and hope for many former slaves.
Recent History and Today:
Much of the land for Mitchelville was purchased by March Gardner and later managed by his son, Gabriel. Through a combination of lawsuits and land acquisitions, ownership of Mitchelville eventually transferred to the Hilton Head Company in 1950.
Designated as the Fish Haul Archaeological Site, Mitchelville was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This recognition underscored its vital role in understanding the challenges faced during Reconstruction.
By 2005, a dedicated group of citizens from Hilton Head Island began working to preserve and promote Mitchelville’s heritage. Four years later, in 2009, they invited Mr. Thomas C. Barnwell to lead this renewed effort as chairman. The following year, the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park (HMFP) was officially established with Barnwell at the helm. Over the next few years, HMFP formalized its operations by drafting by-laws, designing an initial land layout for the site, and securing 501(c)(3) status.
Today, HMFP is a thriving initiative committed to educating the public about the residents of Mitchelville and their pursuit of education, self-reliance, and inclusion in a free society. The organization achieves this through exhibits, signature events, guided tours, and learning opportunities, including lectures, forums, and cultural experiences.
Collaborating with the Town of Hilton Head and Beaufort County, HMFP is working to establish Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park as a significant cultural destination. Thanks to financial support from the Beaufort County Council, the park’s Master Plan is now in development. This blueprint will guide the transformation of the site, expanding its offerings to include replicas of historic homes, churches, stores, and other structures. These reconstructions will align with the park’s interpretive themes, which highlight the importance of education, the drive for land ownership, the pursuit of laws and citizenship, and the resilience of everyday life before Reconstruction.
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park stands as a powerful testament to a community’s spirit and determination, inspiring visitors to connect with its rich history and enduring legacy.
