Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Acquires Sea Island Small Farmers Cooperative Property on Wallace Creek

[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) recently acquired the Sea Island Small Famers Cooperative property, a 19-acre property in Hollywood on Wallace Creek. Because of its association with the 1739 Stono Rebellion and a 20^th century African American farmers’ cooperative, this property will now be planned as a public park able to highlight its historical and cultural significance. An event was held on Aug. 27 to honor the transfer of the land to CCPRC.

The property on Wallace Creek was originally acquired in 2022 by the Lacuna Corporation, which partnered with Lowcountry Land Trust to obtain funding from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and place a conservation easement on the property. The Lacuna Corporation then donated the property to CCPRC. The conservation easement in place ensures that CCPRC can make improvements for future public access while respecting the site’s cultural and natural resources. 

A recent archaeological study was conducted that indicated additional archaeological work should be done to ensure culturally significant areas are protected and preserved prior to the site being open to the public. In the future, the site will go through a master planning process that will include community engagement opportunities via surveys and public meetings, to learn what residents want for the site. Possibilities include historical interpretation, water access for paddle sports, fishing, water views and access to the East Coast Greenway. As Wallace Creek is a tributary of the Stono River, the site could also be connected to other CCPRC facilities via a water trail for paddlers. CCPRC encourages community members who have information about the history of the site to contact the agency at 843-795-4386 or customerservice@ccprc.com.

“Charleston County Parks is grateful to have received this site which, in addition to being naturally beautiful, has national historical significance. We know there is still so much more to learn about it, and we look forward to working with the archeologists and our community members on that process,” said CCPRC Executive Director Kevin Bowie. “In the near future, this will be a place where our neighbors and visitors will be able to enjoy wonderful water access while learning more about our shared history.”

“Lowcountry Land Trust is honored to partner with Lacuna Corporation and CCPRC on the permanent protection of ground that witnessed such important moments in South Carolina’s history,” said Ashley Demosthenes, President & CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. “The future park will serve as a shining example of how public-private partnerships can achieve meaningful community outcomes where everyone benefits.”

Background and history of the property

The property on Wallace Creek is anecdotally a site of the Stono Rebellion in 1739 – the largest insurrection by enslaved persons in British Colonial North America. Further research is required, but it is known that the rebellion occurred in a 10-mile stretch along this area near present day Highway 17. It is nearly certain that the enslaved people involved in this insurrection passed through the Wallace Creek property and nearby Caw Caw Interpretive Center, a documented location of the rebellion.

The property is also adjacent to a former segregated “beach,” one of six in the area where African Americans could swim when South Carolina was segregated. CCPRC is honored to be able to share the important cultural story of the site, where African American residents spent many days recreating with their families.

In addition, in the late 20^th century, the Wallace Creek property was a farmers’ cooperative site for area African American farmers to sell their locally grown produce. The late Mr. Curtis Inabinett, Sr. was a chief advocate in preserving the site; throughout his life he worked to preserve the stories of the farmers’ cooperative as well as other important histories of the site, and its preservation would not have been possible without his leadership and vision. 

For updates on the Sea Island Small Famers Cooperative property as it undergoes additional studies and future planning processes, please visit www.ccprc.com/wallacecreek.

The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, three beach parks, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, a historic plantation site, a skate park, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.