About

Located on Hilton Head Island, this park marks the site of Mitchelville, established during the Civil War as the first self-governed town of formerly enslaved people in the U.S. It featured its own elected officials, laws, education, and sanitation systems—an extraordinary demonstration of self-determination and community. Today, visitors can explore educational exhibits, walking trails, and commemorative spaces, including a Toni Morrison bench. The site remains a powerful place for reflection, interpretation, and immersive experiences, such as recent Juneteenth gatherings that connect visitors deeply to its legacy.