Written by: Dr. Sonya Alise McKinzie
St. Simons Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles, is a place where natural beauty and deep historical roots converge. Beyond its beaches and moss-draped oaks lies a powerful and enduring African American legacy—one shaped by centuries of enslavement, resilience, cultural preservation, and community strength. The island’s African American history is not only foundational to its identity but also a vital part of the broader American story.
The island’s African American heritage begins with the transatlantic slave trade and the rise of plantation agriculture in the 18th and 19th centuries. After the American Revolution, St. Simons Island became a hub for the cultivation of Sea Island cotton, a highly prized variety known for its long, silky fibers. This crop, along with rice and indigo, was grown on large plantations that dominated the island’s landscape. These plantations were built and sustained by the labor of enslaved Africans, many of whom were brought from the rice-growing regions of West Africa due to their agricultural expertise.
By the early 1800s, enslaved Africans made up most the island’s population. They cleared the land, built the infrastructure, and cultivated the crops that made the island’s white landowners wealthy. Despite the brutal conditions of slavery, these individuals carried with them rich cultural traditions, languages, and spiritual practices. Over time, these elements blended with European influences to form the unique Gullah Geechee culturea distinct African American heritage that remains vibrant today.
The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans in the coastal South, developed a creole language and cultural practices that preserved many African elements. On St. Simons Island, the relative isolation of the Sea Islands allowed these traditions to flourish. According to the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition, “the Gullah Geechee culture is one of the most unique African American cultures in the United States, retaining more African linguistic and cultural heritage than any other Black community in the country” (St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition).
Following the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, many African Americans remained on St. Simons Island, choosing to build new lives on the land they had worked for generations. They established self-sufficient communities such as Harrington, South End, and Jewtown. These communities were characterized by strong family ties, mutual support, and a deep connection to the land. African Americans built homes, churches, and schools, and many became landowners themselves—an extraordinary achievement in the face of systemic racism and economic hardship.
One of the most significant landmarks of this era is the Harrington Graded School, built in the 1920s by African American craftsmen. The school served as the primary educational institution for Black children on the island during segregation. It was more than just a place of learning it was a symbol of hope, progress, and community pride. Today, the restored schoolhouse stands as a cultural center and museum, preserving the stories of those who fought for education and opportunity.
Despite these achievements, African Americans on St. Simons Island have faced ongoing challenges. The 20th century brought increased development and tourism to the island, leading to rising property values and pressure on historic Black communities. Many families who had held land for generations found themselves priced out or forced to sell. This trend of displacement has threatened the survival of Gullah Geechee culture on the island.
In response, local organizations and community leaders have worked tirelessly to preserve African American heritage on St. Simons. The St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition (SSAAHC) is at the forefront of these efforts. The Coalition offers educational tours, hosts cultural events, and advocates for the protection of historic sites. “We are committed to preserving the African American history and culture of St. Simons Island through education, preservation, and community engagement,” the Coalition states (St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition).
One of the Coalition’s most impactful initiatives is the preservation of the Harrington School. After years of neglect, the building was restored and reopened as a cultural center in 2017. It now serves as a space for exhibitions, lectures, and community gatherings, celebrating the island’s African American history and educating future generations.
The legacy of African Americans on St. Simons Island is also tied to the broader history of slavery in Georgia. The New Georgia Encyclopedia notes that “Savannah and the surrounding coastal areas, including the Sea Islands, were major points of entry for enslaved Africans during the height of the Atlantic slave trade” (New Georgia Encyclopedia). This history underscores the deep roots of African American presence and influence in the region.
Today, St. Simons Island is a place where history and heritage live side by side with modern development. Visitors go to the beaches and golf courses, but many leave with a deeper appreciation for the island’s rich cultural tapestry. The African American story of St. Simons is one of endurance and pride—a testament to the power of community and the importance of remembering.
As the island continues to evolve, the work of preserving its African American heritage remains critical. Through education, advocacy, and celebration, the people of St. Simons Island are ensuring that the voices of the past continue to inspire the future.
References:
1. St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition
https://ssiheritagecoalition.org/
2. American Battlefield Trust – Susie King Taylor on St. Simons Island
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/st-simons-island-1862
3. New Georgia Encyclopedia – Atlantic Slave Trade to Savannah
https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/atlantic-slave-trade-to-savannah/
Credits: Photos courtesy of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition
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