Discover the rich history of Mitchelville at your own pace with our Self-Guided Tours at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. This flexible tour option allows you to explore the birthplace of freedom for formerly enslaved people in the United States while connecting with the powerful stories of resilience, self-determination, and community.

What to Expect:

  • Explore at Your Own Pace: Stroll through the park and uncover the history of Mitchelville, established in 1862 as the first self-governed town of freedmen in America. Take your time visiting significant sites, including original settlement areas, historic landmarks, and key locations that played a role in shaping this remarkable community.
  • Interpretive Signage and Markers: Throughout the park, you’ll find interpretive signs and markers providing historical context about Mitchelville’s founding, its role in the Port Royal Experiment, and the cultural impact of the Gullah Geechee people who called it home. These signs offer fascinating insights into the daily lives of Mitchelville’s residents, their leadership, and the town’s legacy.

  • Key Points of Interest:

    • Ghosted Structures: The “ghosted” metal structures at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park represent the homes built by formerly enslaved people who sought freedom with the Union army after the Battle of Port Royal, offering a glimpse into the town’s layout and the lives of its 19th-century residents.
    • Toni Morrison’s Bench by the Road: This moving memorial symbolizes the absence of historical markers that honor the enslaved and their journey to freedom, serving as a reflective space for visitors.
    • Gullah Geechee Culture and Heritage: Learn about the deep cultural roots of the Gullah Geechee people, who have preserved their language, traditions, and way of life for centuries, shaping the history of the Lowcountry.
    • Civil War and Reconstruction History: Discover how Mitchelville emerged during the Civil War and how its citizens forged a new path to self-governance and democracy, well ahead of its time.
  • Engaging Digital Content: Access additional information and interactive content via QR codes located throughout the park. Enhance your experience with audio commentary, video clips, and images that bring the history of Mitchelville to life.

Tour Details:

  • Duration: Explore for as long as you like. Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours experiencing the park.