St. Marys in Camden County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Enduring Gullah
Geechee Culture
— St. Marys History Walk —
By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
1. The Enduring Gullah/Geechee Culture Marker
Gullah (the name given to the islanders of South Carolina) and Geechee (the name given to islanders of Georgia) culture is linked to West African ethnic groups enslaved on island plantations to grow rice, indigo and cotton as early as 1750. In addition to music and art, these Gullah Geechee islanders brought farming and building methods. The Settlement, at the North end of Cumberland Island, was the first privately owned community of former slaves after the Civil War. Visitors to the island can see the remnants of this link to Africa and the earliest African-American struggles for freedom.
Erected by Elaine Powierski.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 30° 43.29′ N, 81° 33.232′ W. Marker is in St. Marys, Georgia, in Camden County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Bartlett Street and St. Marys Street West, on the left when traveling north
By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
2. The Enduring Gullah/Geechee Culture Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Georgia’s Coastal Gem: (here, next to this marker); The Last Battles of The War of 1812 (a few steps from this marker); The Forgotten Battle’s (a few steps from this marker); Weathering (a few steps from this marker); The Forgotten Battle (a few steps from this marker); The Civil War Comes to St. Marys (a few steps from this marker); The Civil War: Local People (a few steps from this marker); The Civil War: Local Landmarks (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Marys.
By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
3. Photo Insert Left: “Clam Diggers”
1997 by Jonathan Green
Depicts The Gullah Geechee Culture in Coastal Georgia
Depicts The Gullah Geechee Culture in Coastal Georgia
By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
4. Photo Insert Center: “The Old Plantation”
Depicts slaves dancing near their quarters with traditional
West African headwear and instruments.
Public Domain
By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
5. Entrance to St. Marys History Walk
By Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020
6. St. Marys History Walk commemoration plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 6, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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