St. Marys in Camden County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Enduring Gullah

Geechee Culture

— St. Marys History Walk —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020

1. The Enduring Gullah/Geechee Culture Marker

Inscription.
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 • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1750.

Location. 30° 43.29′ N, 81° 33.232′ W. Marker is in St. Marys, Georgia, in Camden County. It can be reached from the intersection of Bartlett Street and St. Marys Street West, on the left when traveling north. Located within the St. Marys History Walk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Bartlett St, Saint Marys GA 31558, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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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.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020

2. The Enduring Gullah/Geechee Culture Marker

Photo Insert Left: “Clam Diggers” image. Click for full size.

Photographed 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

Photo Insert Center: “The Old Plantation” image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020

4. Photo Insert Center: “The Old Plantation”

Was painted c. 1790 by slave-holder John Rose.
Depicts slaves dancing near their quarters with traditional
West African headwear and instruments.
Public Domain

Entrance to St. Marys History Walk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, January 18, 2020

5. Entrance to St. Marys History Walk

St. Marys History Walk commemoration plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed 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 849 times since then and 48 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.