Explore South Carolina!
South Carolina's historical communities are now the Hot Spot places for cultural heritage tourism. Come visit and enjoy the varied restaurants, shops, museums, historical sites and more. Experience an authentic
'Taste of Culture.'
'Taste of Culture.'
We Support the Cities of South Carolina.
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Been There!
 "The Traveler" by Artist Jean V. Pugh
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 Cultural Heritage Traveler
Cultural Heritage Traveler Tips:
"Where to go in South Carolina to experience an Authentic Taste of Culture? Try these cultural Hot Spots!" |
"Travel through South Carolina's Cultural Heritage Trails!"
south carolina cultural heritage food trail
South Carolina's Cultural Heritage Food Trail turns a ordinary vacation or roadtrip into a mouthwatering culinary excursion. A 'Taste of South Carolina' is one of its main attractions!
Historical Black Churches
South Carolina's Historical Black Churches hold a significant place not only in South Carolina history, but also in United States history; standing symbols of faith in God and resistance to slavery and racism.
'Walk In The Light' by
Artist Sonja Griffin Evans
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MUST - SEE!
"Walk in 'The Light' in South Carolina" Tabernacle Baptist Church in Beaufort, SC On the grounds of the church stands a bust of Robert Smalls, a testament of faith and preseverance. A triumphant story of one man's struggle from slave to Civil War Hero, to Congressman. 911 Craven ST Beaufort, SC 29901 
Emanuel A.M.E. Church
Charleston, SC The place where nine innocent African American were massacred. It generated a surge of emotional momentum that is helping to change a nation. A must visit to give honor and pay respect to the South Carolina 9. 110 Calhoun Street Charleston, South Carolina |
By Artist Sonja Griffin Evans
Queen Chapel AME Church
“Rev. Richard Harvey Cain, James H.A. Johnson and James Handy arrived on Hilton Head on the Steamship Argo on May 12, 1865, and established Queen Chapel AME Church. They were on their way to Charleston, but a storm arose and the ministers were forced to land on Hilton Head Island in the area called Cherry Hill. As they waited for the storm to pass over, they decided to have services with prayers and singing under a large oak tree. This was to be an historic event because it was when African Methodism began in the State of South Carolina. A few years later Queen Chapel AME Church was built and would become the mother church.”
Queen Chapel AME Church is important to the community, its denomination and to America.
It was part of the unshackling of the nation's shameful period of slavery. Freedom came first to its neighborhood because Union troops captured Hilton Head in a single afternoon shortly after the Civil War began. Former slaves flowed to the island like water running downhill, knowing the federal troops meant freedom and protection. But the war didn't come with a manual on how to cope with all the issues of freedom -- housing, education, land ownership, labor, military service, civil rights, legal status, law enforcement, marriage, clothing, sustenance, religion. The church quickly became the keystone, touching and organizing all aspects of life.
The Christian religion gave the slave, and then the freed slave, hope in a troubled life. Trust that they would someday march into a "New Jerusalem," rang through the spirituals so easily transported from church to work. However, the church faces many challenges today, just as it did in 1865, but it is still here. Whether from under a live oak, a tent or inside a stately sanctuary, the church still offers rest for the weary, a stepping-stone into a brighter future here on Earth, and hope for all eternity.
114 Beach City Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
“Rev. Richard Harvey Cain, James H.A. Johnson and James Handy arrived on Hilton Head on the Steamship Argo on May 12, 1865, and established Queen Chapel AME Church. They were on their way to Charleston, but a storm arose and the ministers were forced to land on Hilton Head Island in the area called Cherry Hill. As they waited for the storm to pass over, they decided to have services with prayers and singing under a large oak tree. This was to be an historic event because it was when African Methodism began in the State of South Carolina. A few years later Queen Chapel AME Church was built and would become the mother church.”
Queen Chapel AME Church is important to the community, its denomination and to America.
It was part of the unshackling of the nation's shameful period of slavery. Freedom came first to its neighborhood because Union troops captured Hilton Head in a single afternoon shortly after the Civil War began. Former slaves flowed to the island like water running downhill, knowing the federal troops meant freedom and protection. But the war didn't come with a manual on how to cope with all the issues of freedom -- housing, education, land ownership, labor, military service, civil rights, legal status, law enforcement, marriage, clothing, sustenance, religion. The church quickly became the keystone, touching and organizing all aspects of life.
The Christian religion gave the slave, and then the freed slave, hope in a troubled life. Trust that they would someday march into a "New Jerusalem," rang through the spirituals so easily transported from church to work. However, the church faces many challenges today, just as it did in 1865, but it is still here. Whether from under a live oak, a tent or inside a stately sanctuary, the church still offers rest for the weary, a stepping-stone into a brighter future here on Earth, and hope for all eternity.
114 Beach City Rd
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
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South Carolina Legacy Trails 
Mary Jane McLeod Bethune
Visit the starting point of the journey of the 'First Lady of the Struggle' in Mayesville, SC. Visit the Birthplace of Mary Mcleod Bethune. Walk in her footsteps of faith and become encouraged, refreshed and spurred by the history and testament of one of South Carolina's greatest daughters. MaryMcleod Bethune Park This 9-acre park is maintained by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. as a memorial and the birthplace of Dr. Mary McLeon Bethune, civil rights administrator and educator. Mary McLeod Betune Road, Mayesville, SC |
South Carolina Civil Rights Trail 
'We Are One'
by Artist Sonja Griffin Evans
Take a Civil Rights Road Trip and follow the Dream!
"Follow the Dream!" Visit Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s place of refuge, The Gantt Cottage on Penn Center Campus St. Helena Island, South Carolina. Founded in 1862, the Penn School was one of the first academic schools in the South for blacks. In the 1960’s, Penn Center took up the mantle of social justice by ushering in the Civil Rights Movement and serving as the only location in South Carolina where interracial groups, such as Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Peace Corps, could have safe sanctuary in an era of mandated de jure segregation. Engulf yourself in the spiritual inspiration of the place where the 'I Have a Dream' speech began. 16 Penn Center Cir W St. Helena Island, SC See More |
Gullah/Geechee Heritage Trail 
Gullah Geechee Kinfolks
Artist Sonja Griffin Evans
De' Gullah Experience
The Atlantic coast of South Carolina is home to a rich forgotten culture. Derived from the many enslaved Africans brought to its coast, the Gullah Geechee culture continues to survive from mainstream American culture in both place and time. Beaufort Charleston Columbia Daufuskie Island Hilton Head Sea Islands Take A Gullalh Tour! & Experience and learn about the Gullah Culture Gullah Heritage Trails Tours Hilton Head Island, SC http://gullaheritage.com/ Gullah Tours Charleston, SC http://gullahtours.com/ |
south carolina freedom trail
The Civil War began in South Carolina. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to declare its secession from the Union. South Carolina was a site of a major political and military importance for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The white population of the state strongly supported the institution of slavery long before the war. South Carolina was a source of troops for the Confederate army, and as the war progressed, also for the Union, as thousands of ex-slaves flocked to join the Union forces. On February 21, 1865, with the Confederate forces finally evacuated from Charleston, the black 54th Massachusetts Regiment marched through the city. At a ceremony at which the U.S. flag was once again raised over Fort Sumter, former fort commander Robert Anderson was joined on the platform by two men: African American Union hero Robert Smalls and the son of Denmark Vesey.
The black soldiers put their lives on the line, worked, toiled and fought to help bring about a new country and to receive the promise of freedom and liberty. In every major conflict the United States has fought, we can find a person of color ready to put their life on the line. The first African-American soldiers fought to defend the rights and privileges that their own country continued to deny them. They fought until their country would finally live up to its promise that "All men are created equal." They fought for the right of Freedom! 
Tabernacle Baptist Church in Beaufort, SC
On the grounds of the church stands a bust of Robert Smalls, a testament of faith and preseverance. A triumphant story of one man's struggle from slave to Civil War Hero, to Congressman. 911 Craven ST Beaufort, SC 29901 |
follow the sound of freedom!
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Reconstruction era trail
South Carolina Education Trail
Student and Educational Tours are leaders in the field of student travel. Explore South Carolina's Historical Black Colleges and Universities. Renew your mind and spirit, as you learn the history of these great historical institutions. Institutions that continue to not only educate students, but to inspire them to rise above and be better. Be amazed by the overwhelming beauty of the architectural design of these South Carolina historical treasures. Experience first hand an educational environment that is based on your success and ultimately help you to reach your destinies.
'Road to Freedom'
Artist Sonja Griffin Evans
South Carolina RoseNwald Schools TrailJulius Rosenwald, son of an immigrant peddler who never finished high school but rose to become president of Sears. Influenced by the writings of educator Booker T. Washington, this Jewish philanthropist joined forces with African American communities in the Jim Crow South to build over 5,300 schools during the early part of the 20th century.
The need arose from the chronic underfunding of public education for African-American children in the South, as blacks had been disenfranchised at the turn of the century and excluded from the political system in that region. Inspired by the Jewish ideals of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) and a deep concern over racial inequality in America, Julius Rosenwald used his wealth to become one of America’s most effective philanthropists. Rosenwald also built YMCAs and housing for African Americans to address the pressing needs of the Great Migration. Because of his modesty, Rosenwald’s philanthropy and social activism are not well known today. He gave away $62 million in his lifetime. Must - See Great Branch Teacherage Orangeburg County Hopewell Rosenwald School, McCormick County |
Historical Black Colleges & Universities
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before 1964, often with the assistance of northern religious missionary organizations,.with the intention of serving the African American community.They have always allowed admission to students of all races. Most were created in the aftermath of the American Civil War and are in the former slave states, although a few notable exceptions exist. Must - See Allen University Columbia, South Carolina Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina Clinton Junior College Rock Hill, South Carolina Denmark Technical College Denmark, South Carolina Morris College Sumter, South Carolina South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina Voorhees College Denmark,South Ca rolina rosenwald Collection
'Hope' from the Rosenwald Kids's Series
by Sonja Griffin Evans
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"The Entertainer" by Artist Jean V. Pugh
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"Experience the deep roots of Art & Music along the South Carolina Cultural Heritage Coast.
Explore historic sites and local eateries." Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend excursion, we'll connect you with our state's finest musicians, Gullah Geechee and Native American artisans carrying on centuries-old traditions, and more. Travel the unbeaten path to find small-town folk artists, or explore communities where you can savor local cuisine. Enjoy our statewide seasonal festivals and events. You'll find everything you need to explore authentic South Carolina on our Cultural Heritage Arts & Music trails! |
Gullah/Geechee Art Trail
"On the hunt for authentic Gullah Geechee Arts & Crafts?" The Gullahs have been able to preserve more of their African culture more than any other group of African Americans. They speak a creole language similar to the Krio of Sierra Leone and have a rich culture with their own forms of art, craftwork, storytelling, and cuisine. Invest in authentic Gullah/Geechee Art. Collect and preserve an important piece of South Carolina's history. "Where to find and purchase Authentic Gullah Art?"
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Music Trail
Whether you're a die-hard music fan or a casual traveler in search of an exciting trip, you'll discover places and musicians you've never seen or heard. You'll gain a new appreciation for the area that gave birth to some of America's greatest entertainers! Experience the music of South Carolina's communities along its cultural heritage musical coast, Including the Dizzy Gillespie, 'King of Jazz', Homesite Park in Cheraw, SC! |
south carolina museum trail
South Carolina offers a diverse selection of museums. We have museums with exhibits of natural and local history, art musuems, historic house museums and more. Our museums preserves and educates our visitors and residents about South Carolina's colorful history and history makers.
More Information Coming Soon..
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Where to Shop
Charleston City Market LyBensons Gallery and Studio Green Herring Art & Framing Red Piano Too Art Gallery The Art of Sonja Griffin Evans Bluffton Boundary Cultural Arts Center |
Where to Stay
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Sponsors
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What have you discovered in your travels? Share your travel stories and Cultral Heritage Hot Spots with us!
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