Trailblazers at Penn Center National Historic Landmark District

Trailblazers at Penn Center National Historic Landmark District. . People from around the country have come to what is now the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District since 1862 in search of freedom, opportunity, education, and community. Some came and blazed a new trail for the next generation. As you walk down this quiet trail along Capers Creek, think about the trailblazers that cleared a path for you., Born on Edisto Island, Hastings Gantt came to St. Helena Island during the Civil War. He became a major landowner, and much of the Penn Center is situated on land he sold to the school's founders. He later became a businessman, legislator, and community leader., Laura Towne and Ellen Murray, pictured here with two students, established Penn School in 1862. It was the first school for Black Americans anywhere in the South, and became the model for Freedman education during Reconstruction., Charlotte Forten was born and raised in New England, but she came to St. Helena Island in late 1862, when she became the first Black teacher at Penn School. After leaving Penn School, she became an activist for and womens: rights., Gullah men changed the course of American history in 1862 when they became the first Black enlistees in the US Army, paving the way for future generations. Veterans of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, pictured here at Penn School in 1912, remained active in the community., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, pictured here at Frissel Community House, attended civil rights planning retreats at Penn Center. At the end of this trail, you'll see the Retreat House, which was built in 1968 for Dr. King. He was assassinated before he had the opportunity to stay there., The Capers Creek Nature Trail was reestablished through a partnership effort between Penn Center, park staff, and members of GirlTrek as part of the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.