Burkes Beach holds a special place in the local Gullah community. It was renowned for "The Hideaway," a juke joint that operated daily, providing music and food to families. During events like Labor Day family reunions, the beach became a communal gathering spot where everyone was welcomed, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
Read MoreBradley Beach stands out as a prominent historic Black beach on Hilton Head Island. In 1949, Dr. Stephen Maxwell McDew Jr., a Savannah-based gynecologist, and his wife, Mary, purchased approximately 10 acres of land from the Gullah Christopher family. This property stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to what is now Highway 278, in the area currently known as Bradley Beach Road. Named in honor of Mary’s late brother, John Bradley, the beach became a cherished retreat for the McDew family and their community.
Read MoreDriessen Beach Park is both a scenic retreat and a living testament to Hilton Head Island’s African American legacy. Named after Henry Driessen Sr., a prominent Black landowner who acquired part of the former Chaplin Plantation in 1921, the park honors a family lineage rooted in land stewardship and civic leadership, including Henry Driessen Jr., the island’s first African American town councilman.
Read MoreSingleton Beach is named after the Singleton family, one of Hilton Head's original Gullah families. Namen Singleton, who purchased his first land at age 12 after emancipation, and his son Ezekiel, acquired over 200 acres, including the area now known as Singleton Beach. This beach became a popular destination for African Americans from cities like Atlanta, Charleston, and Savannah, offering a range of Black-owned establishments, including restaurants, diners, and nightclubs.
Read MoreLocated beside Shelter Cove Shopping Center, this cemetery is among the nine historic Gullah cemeteries on the island. It reflects the enduring legacy of African American families in the area.
Read MoreCentral Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, established around 1887, originated from a congregation known as Good Will Baptist Church. Located in the Chaplin community, the church has been a cornerstone of the Gullah community, serving as a place of worship and a gathering space for the community. Despite challenges, including damage from natural disasters, Central Oak Grove continues to uphold its mission and heritage.
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