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Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel is a small chapel comprised of a porch, large open room, and bathroom. The building has two entrances. The front entrance has four steps to the porch and the door sits directly in front of the steps. The second entrance is an accessible ramp on the right side of the building that leads to the back door of the building. The ramp runs up the side of the building then turns sharply to the left.
The main area of the building is a large open space. In the back left of the building is the water fountain and bathroom. The main space of the chapel has an exhibit on the right wall, and two object cases sitting close to the middle of the building on the right side. The exhibit begins at the back of the building and runs to the front entrance. At the end of the exhibit is a small children’s table with coloring pages. The Prince River’s mannequin sits in the front left corner next to the front entrance. The left wall of the visitor space has two info panels: Welcome to Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel and The Sea Islands at War. Between the two information panels is a church pew to sit on. At the back of the building is the information desk where a ranger or volunteer will be located.
To reach the information desk from the front entrance walk a short distance forward from the door. While walking be careful of the two exhibit cases on the right side of the path.
To reach the information desk from the back entrance walk forward for a short distance. Then turn to the right and go a short distance before turning to the right again to face the desk.
The Welcome to Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel image, and map of the Sea Islands at War are along the left side of the building as you walk towards the information desk. The image of the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Flag is directly behind the information desk.
DESCRIBING: A vinyl with an image and text.
SYNOPSIS: A cream-colored vinyl with an image of Reverend Clementa Pinckney inside Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A large cream-colored vinyl exhibit panel about Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel. The top half of the panel has a picture of Reverend Clementa Pinckney. Pinckney is a Black man with glasses, goatee, and mustache. He wears a dark brown pin striped suit with a white shirt and blue and brown diagonally striped tie. Pinckney stands with one hand in his pocket and the other resting on a pew in Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church. Behind Pinckney is the church altar with red carpet and a large ornate gothic style-stained glass window. The bottom half of the panel has the title “Welcome to Pinckney-Porter’s Chapel” followed by text about the history of the chapel and its name.
RELATED TEXT: According to local oral tradition, Porters Chapel was built during Reconstruction on Parris Island, but was moved to Port Royal in the early 1900s. The chapel was an active house of worship for a century. One of the pastors who served the congregation was Reverend Clementa Pinckney. In 2015, Reverend Pinckney was murdered by a white supremacist at Mother Emmanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
In 2020, the Town of Port Royal reconstructed Porters Chapel at its present location. The building was dedicated on June 10, 2022 and renamed Pinckney-Porters Chapel in honor of Reverend Pinckney, with his family in attendance. In partnership with the Town of Port Royal, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park operates Pinckney-Porters Chapel to share the story of Camp Saxton.
CREDIT: Associated Press
DESCRIBING: A map of the coast of South Carolina.
SYNOPSIS: A map of the coast of South Carolina and Georgia from Savannah to Charleston. The map shows the names of the Sea Islands in between the two cities and the Charleston and Savannah Railroad line.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A large map of the coast of South Carolina to Georgia from Savannah to Charleston. The Charleston and Savannah Railroad runs up from Savannah over the mainland to Charleston. Key features of the map are the sea islands from Charleston’s harbor are Fort Sumter, James Island, Morris Island, Folly Island, Wadmelaw Island, Kiawawaw Island, Edisto Island, Otter Island. Then across St. Helena Sound from Edisto Island are Morgans Island, Coosaw Island, St. Helena Island, Hunting Island, Phillips Island, Parris Island, Ladies Island, and Port Royal Island. Across from St. Helena Island over the Broad River is Hilton Head Island, and Dawfuski Island. Past these islands is the Tybee Sound and Fort Pulaski at the entrance of the Savannah River that leads to Savannah.
At the bottom of the map are illustrations of Fort Walker and Fort Beauregard. Both forts are written on the map at the “Port Royal Entrance” of the Broad River. Next to the two illustrations is the title “The Sea Islands at War” and a short paragraph of text about the significance of the area shown in the map.
RELATED TEXT: During the Civil War, the Sea Islands near Beaufort were occupied by United States military forces, serving as a supply base for the blockades of Charleston and Savannah. What unfolded here marked the beginning of Reconstruction.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A full wall vinyl of the First South Carolina Volunteers Flag.
SYNOPSIS: A red, white, and blue American flag with the stars arranged in the shape of a star. On the third and fourth red stripe from the top is the text “The Year of Jubilee has Come! First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers.”
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A vinyl of an American flag on a wooden pole. The flag has a blue square on the left side with gold five pointed stars. There are 35 stars arranged in the shape of a five pointed star. Thirty stars make the outline of the star, and five stars make an “X” in the center of the star. Seven red stripes alternate with six white stripes starting at the top of the flag extending to the bottom. In the third and fourth red stripe text is embroidered in a fancy script. “The Year of Jubilee has Come!” is in the third stripe, and “First Regiment South Carolina Volunteers” is in the fourth stripe. The script is written with flourishes on each word. To the right of the vinyl is a small panel with information about the flag.
RELATED TEXT: At Emancipation Day, Reverend George Cheever’s Congregational Church of the Puritans in New York presented an American flag to the First South Carolina Volunteers.
Sewn into the flag were the words “The Year of Jubilee Has Come”- a reference to a Biblical day of freedom and emancipation.
The flag on display is a reproduction.
CREDIT: National Park Service
An exhibit about Black Military Service told through the 1st South Carolina Volunteers and their legacy. Thirty-three panels of varying sizes, from 24 inches by 36 inches to 5 inches by 7 inches, spread across four sections on the right wall of the building.
Section One includes the title graphic, two text panels and six image panels. Section One focuses on the early days of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers.
Section two is down the wall past the first window. This section includes three text panels and three photos. Section two focuses on Camp Saxton and the tie of citizenship and military service.
Past the second window is section three. This section is made up of two text panels and five photos. Section three discusses the community at Camp Saxton and the legacy of the area.
Where the right wall and the front wall of the building create a corner is section four. In this section the legacy of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers and their impact on future black military service is shared. This section is comprised of two text panels, a QR code to the website, and seven photographs.
Across from sections two and three are the two object cases full of replica objects about the Whitney School, the Grand Army of the Republic Hall, and the Women’s Relief Corp.
To get to section one from the front entrance walk a short distance towards the back of the building. Then turn to the right to face the outside wall of the building. Be careful of the two exhibit cases set towards the middle of the room on the right side. If coming from the back entrance, walk forward a few steps and turn towards the left to face the outside wall. This section highlights the beginning of Camp Saxton and the Union presence in Beaufort.
DESCRIBING: A horizontal exhibit title panel.
SYNOPSIS: This illustration uses bold colors and symbolic shapes to convey the theme "Frontlines of Freedom." A blue silhouette of a soldier on the left stands in contrast to a creamy background on the right, with dynamic textures and text in the foreground.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The left side of the image features a blue silhouette of a soldier holding a rifle, standing at attention. Behind and above the soldier, swirling blue shapes create an abstract Live Oak tree with Spanish moss hanging from its branches. The background transitions from a deep blue to a creamy beige, upon which the words "Frontlines of Freedom" are prominently displayed. "Frontlines of" is written in bold blue letters, while "Freedom" appears below in an elegant, gold-scripted font with a thread texture. A great blue heron, in flight, is seen in the top right corner, further suggesting a sense of freedom. The bottom edge is layered with red and blue grass textures, resembling a marsh in the lowcountry of South Carolina.
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A red exhibit panel with cream text. At the bottom of the panel is a close up image of a sergeant’s stripes showing the texture of the thread and cloth in a light blue color.
RELATED TEXT: For generations, enslaved people sought freedom through escape, rebellion, and revolt. When the American Civil War began in 1861, 4.5 million Black Americans found themselves at its center. They seized new opportunities the war created, including service in the United States Army. Although there was history of Black military service dating to the Revolution, recruitment of Black soldiers into the Army did not begin until 1862. The next year, the Emancipation Proclamation encouraged widespread recruitment. The Bureau of Colored Troops organized Black regiments during the war.
The army presented new opportunities to Black men and women alike. Newly emancipated men learned to read and write during their service. Black women worked as cooks, nurses, and laundresses in army camps. Black Americans’ participation in the Civil War forged a new Union.
Black Military service has empowered generations. It starts here, in the South Carolina Sea Islands.
CREDIT: National Park Service
DESCRIBING: A black and white photograph from the 19th century.
SYNOPSIS: A group of freed people is shown working on a plantation. The scene is centered around a wooden structure and features a mix of adults and children engaging in labor. This image was captured during the Port Royal Experiment.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The photograph captures the exterior of a weathered wooden building, which serves as the focal point. The building has two levels, the top featuring open shutters on a window. A working group of freed people, adults and children alike, are in the foreground engaging with a large pile of cotton. A man stands nearby, observing or supervising the scene. Behind the main building, additional wooden structures are visible, reflecting the rural plantation environment. The area is sparsely vegetated, with a prominent barren tree to the right, adding a stark element to the overall composition. The image captures a moment of labor and daily life during the Port Royal Experiment.
RELATED TEXT: This photo shows freed people working for wages here on the Smith Plantation during the Port Royal Experiment.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: An 18th century illustration featuring two soldiers.
SYNOPSIS: The illustration portrays two soldiers from the Revolutionary War, part of the historically significant First Rhode Island Regiment. They stand upright, facing forward, dressed in period uniforms with firearms in hand.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The left soldier's attire consists of a white coat with red cuffs and a cross body strap, along with a tall hat adorned with blue and white feathers. His dark complexion highlights the regiment's diversity. The right soldier is garbed in a brown coat with red trimmings and red pants, accompanied by a black tricorn hat. His musket is similarly cradled in his right hand. The illustration rests on a lightly colored background, likely suggesting paper aged over time.
RELATED TEXT: The First Rhode Island was a mostly Black regiment that fought during the Revolutionary War.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: An antique black and white portrait within a decorated oval frame.
SYNOPSIS: This portrait features Sergeant William Bronson, a Black American soldier in the First South Carolina Volunteers during the Civil War, dressed in a standard issue military uniform.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This photograph captures Sergeant William Bronson standing tall and dignified. Clothed in his military attire, he dons a kepi, a buttoned coat with distinct chevrons on the sleeves indicating his rank, and trousers that complete his uniform. His solemn expression and steady gaze convey a sense of resolve. His left hand is positioned inside his coat, an emblematic gesture of the era. The background, though faded, reveals the outlines of a military encampment with rows of canvas tents under a cloudy sky. The oval frame surrounding the image is richly adorned with curvilinear and floral engravings, emphasizing the photograph's historical and sentimental value.
RELATED TEXT: Sergeant William Bronson was one of the first soldiers to join the First South Carolina Volunteers.
CREDIT: Internet Archive
DESCRIBING: Historical woodcut illustration.
SYNOPSIS: The illustration portrays Camp Saxton in the Sea Islands, a site central to the Port Royal Experiment of 1862. The scene includes rows of tents, soldiers organizing in military formation, and a prominent American flag hoisted high. Trees form the backdrop of this camp setting.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The central focus of the illustration is the orderly arrangement of tents, which are pitched in neat rows stretching from the foreground to the background, creating a sense of depth. Soldiers, clad in uniform attire, stand at attention in formation, suggesting a drill or assembly. The focal point of their attention is an officer on horseback, situated in the midst of the formation, raising an arm as if issuing commands. To the left, another mounted officer seems engaged in conversation with a standing soldier. In the background, the American flag flutters atop a tall flagpole, standing out against the backdrop of dense woodland. Elements such as shadows and detailed textures add a sense of realism to the illustration. This camp was integral to early reconstruction efforts, symbolizing a transition for Black Americans from slavery to formal military service.
RELATED TEXT: Beginning in 1862, the Port Royal Experiment anticipated post slavery on the Sea Islands. Schools were built, property was redistributed, and here at Camp Saxton Black men joined the ranks of the Army.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A Civil War era black and white illustration.
SYNOPSIS: The illustration shows the First South Carolina regiment in a battle scene, with soldiers advancing and firing on a smoke filled field. The diverse background landscape, including trees and open land, adds depth to the depiction of the violent clash.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This Civil War era illustration brings to life a battle involving the First South Carolina regiment. The foreground is dominated by soldiers in dark uniforms, caught in the act of pressing forward and shooting their rifles. Visible blasts from the rifle muzzles and the rising clouds of smoke fill the scene with a sense of urgency and conflict. To the right, a mix of trees and underbrush create a natural boundary, while some soldiers find cover and others lie prone, the victims of combat. The skillful line work of the illustration captures the movement and tension, with attention given to the chaotic elements – from the smoke and gunfire to the uneven terrain.
RELATED TEXT: Newspapers depicted the First South Carolina Volunteers in Combat in Georgia.
CREDIT: Image Courtesy of Rich Condon
DESCRIBING: A colored historical engraving of a United States Army dress parade.
SYNOPSIS: The engraving captures a moment during a dress parade of the First South Carolina Infantry under General Hunter, with meticulously aligned United States soldiers, the American flag, military tents, and a commanding officer on horseback in a setting reminiscent of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The illustration's left side reveals rows of Union soldiers, composed entirely of African American men, marching in unison with their muskets featuring sharp bayonets catching the light. These soldiers are clad in dark blue uniforms with long overcoats and matching hats. In the midst of this organized line, a figure, likely an officer, is elucidating instructions, making the structured nature of the military event clear. The background is a canvas of military tents perfectly aligned, symbolizing the order within the camp. The American flag mounted on a high pole is set against a sky filled with light hues, billowing in the breeze, signifying national pride. Flanking the scene's right side is an officer mounted on a brown horse, both poised as if paused in attention, adding a dynamic quality to the illustration. Surrounding the parade ground are tall, leafy trees that complete the scene.
RELATED TEXT: Dress parade of the First South Carolina under General Hunter at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
CREDIT: University of South Carolina
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A navy blue exhibit panel with cream colored text.
RELATED TEXT: In November 1861, the United States Army captured the Sea Islands around Beaufort, South Carolina. Though the white population fled, thousands of enslaved people remained.
United States Army General David Hunter issued an emancipation order in May 1862 for the Department of the South. Shortly after he began recruiting Black men in the Sea islands for military service. President Abraham Lincoln rescinded the order, and Hunter disbanded all but one company of 100 soldiers. In August, Lincoln gave his official approval. The 100 soldiers of Hunter’s regiment became the foundation of the First South Carolina Volunteers.
Their story starts where you are today, at Camp Saxton.
Section two of the exhibit is a very short distance from section one. The two sections are separated by a window. To access section two from the front door, walk a short distance towards the back of the building. Then turn to the right to face the outside wall of the building. Be careful of the two exhibit cases set towards the middle of the room on the right side. If coming from the back entrance, walk forward a short distance past two windows and turn towards the left to face the outside wall. This section highlights the First South Carolina Volunteers.
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel
SYNOPSIS: A light blue exhibit panel with black text. In the bottom left corner, a close up image of a brass United States military button with an eagle, shield, arrows, and olive branch.
RELATED TEXT: In the fall of 1862, the United States Army Set aside land on Port Royal Island for training and recruitment of Black soldiers. Part of the John Joyner Smith Plantation, also called Old Fort Plantation, became Camp Saxton. Rows of tents filled the spaces between plantation buildings and parade grounds. On land where enslaved people once harvested cotton, Black Americans transitioned to freedom.
Throughout 1862 and 1863, hundreds of men joined the First South Carolina Volunteers. They mostly came from South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Colonel Thomas Wentworth Higginson, a white abolitionist from Boston, led the regiment. Black regiments recruited in the Sea Islands fought along the southeast coast, freeing the enslaved as they went.
The First South Carolina Volunteers, later re-designated the 33rd United States Colored Troops, mustered out at Fort Wagner in 1866. They were the first Black soldiers to enlist in the United States Army during the Civil War.
CREDIT: National Park Service
DESCRIBING: A sepia toned historical photograph of Black sailors.
SYNOPSIS: This photograph captures a group of formerly enslaved men who have volunteered as sailors on the U.S.S. Vermont. The image depicts these men in uniform, assembled on the ship, highlighting their transition from enslavement to service in the United States Navy during the Civil War era.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The photograph shows a large group of Black men dressed in naval uniforms, assembled on the deck of the U.S.S. Vermont. The men are seated and standing closely together, creating a sense of camaraderie and unity. Behind them, the ship's rigging, ropes, and part of the mast are visible, emphasizing the nautical setting. The sepia tone of the image gives it a vintage, historical feel. The expression on the men's faces range from solemn to slightly hopeful, capturing the gravity and significance of their transition from enslavement to service. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the role these men played in the United States Navy during a transformative time in American history.
RELATED TEXT: Formerly enslaved men served as sailors on the U.S.S. Vermont. Many of the men liberated on the Sea Islands volunteered for the United States Navy.
CREDIT: United States Coast Guard Collections
DESCRIBING: An oval shaped, sepia toned photograph.
SYNOPSIS: The image presents Susie King Taylor, a Black woman in formal 19th century dress. Her attire and composed expression reflect the era’s fashion and the gravity of her historical contributions.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: In this sepia toned, oval-shaped photograph, Susie King Taylor stands with a dignified presence. Her attire includes a dark dress with a high collar and long sleeves, buttoned up to the neck. A formal jacket with pronounced lapels and a small cuff detail on her sleeves complement her dress. Taylor's headscarf is dark, adorned with a subtle white decorative trim above her forehead. Her hair is neat, less visible beneath the scarf. She gazes directly into the camera with a firm, composed expression. The plain backdrop ensures full focus on her figure. This photograph captures Taylor’s poised demeanor, a testament to her strength and resilience. Her expression and attire provide nuances of the time period she lived in, and her contributions extend beyond her visual representation.
RELATED TEXT: Susie King Taylor, a formerly enslaved woman from Savannah, wrote and published her experiences as a nurse and educator at Camp Saxton.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A navy blue exhibit panel with cream color text that includes a quote.
RELATED TEXT: “From that little band of hopeful, trusting, and brave men who gathered at Camp Saxton… has grown an army of a hundred and forty thousand black soldiers, whose valor and heroism… will live as long as the undying pages of history shall endure.” – Lieutenant Colonel C.T. Trowbridge
DESCRIBING: A historical circular illustration printed in black and white.
SYNOPSIS: On January 1, 1863, Prince Rivers and Robert Sutton receive the colors of the First South Carolina Volunteers amidst a ceremonial setting. The illustration captures the event's historical significance, and the diverse participants present, with a large American flag as a backdrop.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: At the center, two Black United States soldiers, Prince Rivers and Robert Sutton, dressed in their crisp military attire, raise their right hands to receive the colors of the First South Carolina Volunteers. Behind them, a grand American flag with stars and stripes is draped dramatically. To their left, a contingent of soldiers bearing musical instruments, including a trumpet and a drum, stand in formation. On the right side, an audience of various ages and fashions, primarily women in bonnets and men in civilian attire, attentively observe the ceremony. The entire scene is set within a forested area, filled with additional spectators melding into the background, highlighting the communal and historical significance of the occasion.
RELATED TEXT: Prince Rivers and Robert Sutton receive the colors of the First South Carolina Volunteers on Emancipation Day, January 1st, 1863.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A red exhibit panel with cream color text.
RELATED TEXT: On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. That day, Camp Saxton became one of the earliest celebrations of emancipation, as thousands gathered to hear the President’s Proclamation.
When the reading ended, Reverend Mansfield French presented new regimental flags to the crowd. As the flags waved, a lone voice began to sing “My Country ‘tis of Thee.” The crowd joined in, and a powerful chorus rang throughout the trees. The words of this song carried the hopes and dreams of millions yearning for a land of liberty.
The Year of Jubilee had come.
Section three of the exhibit is a very short distance from section two. The two sections are separated by a window. To access section three from the front door, walk a short distance towards the back of the building. Then turn to the right, walk a few steps to the outside wall of the building. Be careful of the two exhibit cases set towards the middle of the room on the right side. If coming from the back entrance, walk forward a short distance past three windows and turn to the left to face the outside wall. This section highlights the community that lived at Camp Saxton.
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A light blue panel with black text.
RELATED TEXT: When the United States Army captured Beaufort, it became a beacon for enslaved people seeking freedom. Refugees came alone, with loved ones, and in groups of tens and hundreds. With more people arriving weekly, army officials struggled to provide housing and rations.
One of the most urgent needs was housing, in whatever form they could find. Refugees piled into crowded cabins and tents. Disease ran rampant, due to crowding and a lack of medical supplies.
Refugees started schools, learned to read, write, and sew much needed clothing. Camp life was hard, but it was their first taste of freedom.
DESCRIBING: A sepia toned historical photograph.
SYNOPSIS: The image depicts a group of newly freed individuals standing on the porch of a wooden schoolhouse. This structure, situated in a rural setting, served as a place of education at Old Fort Plantation. The photograph captures the essence of resilience and hope during a transformative period in American history.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: In this sepia toned historical photograph, a wooden schoolhouse stands as the primary focus. The building, elevated on wooden stilts, features horizontal wood paneling and a simple, angled roof with a small, raised section topped by a vent. A broad porch extends across the front of the school, supported by vertical beams. On the porch, a diverse group of approximately twenty-five newly freed individuals pose for the camera. They include men, women, and children of varying ages, donning period clothing. Their expressions are a mix of curiosity, hope, and solemnity. Surrounding the building is an open field, with patches of grass and sparse trees in the distance, under an expansive, pale sky. This setting highlights the importance of education as a pivotal step toward empowerment and progress for this community.
RELATED TEXT: Elizabeth Botume taught newly freed people at Old Fort Plantation in this School during and after the Civil War.
CREDIT: Beaufort Library District Collection
DESCRIBING: A sepia toned photograph of a refugee camp.
SYNOPSIS: This photograph captures rows of modest wooden homes, housing civilians during and after the Civil War. The scene is framed by tall pine trees with visible residents going about their daily lives.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This sepia toned photograph presents a line of small, identical wooden houses extending from the foreground into the background. Each house is constructed with plain wooden boards, and each features a gabled roof and a tall chimney made of light colored bricks. The uniformity of these structures reflects the organized nature of the camp’s layout.
In the background, tall pine trees rise above the houses, suggesting a rural setting. Several individuals, including women and children are visible along the dirt path that runs parallel to the row of houses, engaged in everyday tasks. The terrain is largely barren, with patches of vegetation dotting the scene, indicating a harsh and undeveloped area.
RELATED TEXT: Rows of houses like these on Port Royal Island were common sights in refugee camps during and after the Civil War.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A sepia toned photograph.
SYNOPSIS: This image captures a group of Black veterans, the First South Carolina Volunteers, standing in a rural setting in front of a backdrop of trees. They are attending the 50th anniversary of Penn School in 1912. The veterans are wearing formal attire and holding an American flag.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This historical photograph portrays a moment of pride and remembrance for six Black veterans of the First South Carolina Volunteers. Dressed sharply in dark suits, polished shoes, and formal hats, the men stand in a semi-circular formation. The central figure seems to be making eye contact with the camera, exuding a sense of pride. The surrounding trees provide a natural frame, enhancing the photograph's intimate yet significant feel. To the right, one of the men holds up an American flag, its stars and stripes slightly visible despite the photograph's sepia tones. This anniversary event in 1912 serves as a poignant reminder of their sacrifices and contributions during and after the Civil War era.
RELATED TEXT: Black veterans became community leaders in the region during Reconstruction and beyond. Here, veterans of the First South Carolina Volunteers attend the 50th anniversary of Penn School in 1912.
CREDIT: Penn School Collections at University of North Carolina
DESCRIBING: A flip book.
SYNOPSIS: In section three, below the photograph of the First South Carolina Veterans is an interactive flip book with profiles on People of Camp Saxton. These profile change out and include a info page and primary documents about the person. Profiles include Susie King Taylor, Colonel Thomas W Higginson, Sergeant Prince Rivers, and others. To interact with the flip book talk with a ranger or volunteer.
RELATED TEXT: This booklet contains primary source documents about the people who lived and served at Camp Saxton. Flip through to read letters, memoirs, and papers on the people of Camp Saxton.
DESCRIBING: An oval framed, black and white portrait.
SYNOPSIS: This is an oval framed, black and white portrait of a stoic Black Civil War soldier. His name is Harry Williams, and he played a notable role by joining the First South Carolina Volunteers.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Captured in this black and white portrait is Harry Williams, a solemn Black man in a military uniform. The photograph is framed in an oval shape, giving it an air of distinction. Harry's uniform is neatly buttoned, with stripes on the sleeves that mark his rank. His expression is serious, reflecting the heavy responsibilities and challenges he faced as a soldier.
RELATED TEXT: Harry Williams was from Liberty County, Georgia, and joined the 1st South Carolina Volunteers at Camp Saxton in November 1862.
CREDIT: Internet Archive
DESCRIBING: A historical sepia photograph of a posed group of children.
SYNOPSIS: The photograph illustrates a diverse group of about thirty children, set in an outdoor environment. The group is arranged in rows and surrounded by abundant trees and shrubbery.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: In this historical sepia photograph around thirty children are gathered. The group forms three distinct rows. In the front row, children sit on the grass with varied expressions, some holding infants. The middle and back row shows children standing a few holding infants. Their clothing reflects the period, with the young children in simple dresses and shirts while the older children wear more formal attire, including dresses and aprons. The tallest child, adorned in a patterned dress, stands near the center, possibly signifying a leading role. The background of the photograph is lush and green, featuring large plants and an imposing tree with spreading branches, indicative of a fertile and thriving environment.
RELATED TEXT: After the First South Carolina Volunteers left Camp Saxton, the site became home to a thriving community. These children and their descendants lived around Old Fort well into the 20th century until Naval Hospital Beaufort was established.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A navy blue exhibit panel with cream colored text.
RELATED TEXT: The Army eventually left Camp Saxton, but many freed people stayed to build new homes and lives. The Camp Saxton community lasted well into the 20th century. After the military acquired Parris Island, displaced residents settled around Old Fort. When a United States naval hospital was built there in 1949, the residents were displaced again.
Section four of the exhibit is a very short distance from section three. The two sections are separated by a window. To access section four from the front door, turn to the right and walk a few steps to the front corner of the building. Be careful of the two exhibit cases set towards the middle of the room on the right side. If coming from the back entrance, walk forward a short distance past four windows and turn to the left to face the outside wall. This section highlights the legacy of Camp Saxton and the First South Carolina Volunteers.
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A navy blue exhibit panel with cream colored text. In the bottom right corner of the panel is a close-up image of a hat medallion. The gold medallion has an eagle with wings spread, shield on its chest, and a banner in its mouth with “E Pluribus Unum” on the banner. Behind the banner are several five point stars and a gold crown.
RELATED TEXT: 200,000 Black Americans served in the Army and Navy by the end of the war. Twenty-five of these soldiers and sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor. Their service challenged racial prejudices and ushered in an era that reconstructed the United States.
Many Black veterans became prominent political leaders in the Reconstruction era. They pushed for Black citizenship because of their service in preserving the Union. Their efforts resulted in the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which redefined citizenship.
In the aftermath of emancipation and citizenship, racial violence gripped the country. This violence began at voting booths, came for politicians, and entered the homes of Black families. In 1868 Congress split ex-Confederate states into military districts. Federal troops in these districts confronted racial violence, protected voting rights, and upheld Reconstruction. The fight to gain civil rights during the war became a fight to protect them after.
DESCRIBING: An oval black and white image.
SYNOPSIS: The photograph captures Sergeant William Harvey Carney in a formal studio setting. His composed demeanor and the Medal of Honor prominently displayed on his chest reflect his heroic contribution during the Civil War.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: In this portrait, Sergeant William Harvey Carney is portrayed with formal elegance. He is dressed in a dark suit jacket and vest, complemented by a white shirt. A light colored, patterned bow tie adds a distinctive characteristic. The shining Medal of Honor is prominently pinned to his left breast, indicative of his heroic actions at the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. Carney’s eyes face forward confidently, with his expression portraying strength and calm. His well groomed short hair, tidy mustache, and goatee frame his face, lending him a dignified and commanding presence. The photograph, credited to Howard University, serves as a powerful reminder of his significant legacy.
RELATED TEXT: Sergeant William Harvey Carney of the 54th Massachussetts Earned the Medal of Honor from the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863.
CREDIT: Howard University
DESCRIBING: A sepia toned historical illustration from the late 19th century.
SYNOPSIS: The image showcases a soldier from the 24th Regiment United States Colored Troops, with a message correlating military service in war to citizenship in peace. The richly detailed scene captures the essence of valor and the pursuit of equality.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Central to the image is a soldier dressed in Civil War era uniform, standing on a rocky ground that signifies adversity. His left leg is firmly planted, while his right leg steps forward, conveying a sense of movement and progress. He holds up a scroll marked “E Pluribus Unum,” echoing the union's motto. In the periphery, other soldiers are seen in action, hinting at collective effort. The scene is enclosed within an ornate circular laurel wreath, which symbolizes victory. Above the circle, a curling banner reads, “Let Soldiers In War, Be Citizens In Peace,” emphasizing the soldier's transition from war to peace and citizenship. Below the laurel wreath’s base, another banner indicates, “24th Regiment United States Colored Troops.” The sepia tone accentuates the era’s historical atmosphere and gravity.
RELATED TEXT: The flag of the 24th United States Colored Troops, connects military service to citizenship.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A historical black and white photograph.
SYNOPSIS: This black and white photograph captures a group of Black soldiers, identified as some of the first National Park Rangers, riding horses in Yosemite National Park. The tall trees and natural scenery frame the scene, indicating the wilderness they have come to protect.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The photograph shows five Black soldiers riding horses along a path flanked by thick foliage and towering trees. The soldiers wear neatly pressed uniforms and wide brim hats, and they carry rifles. Their expression and posture suggest a sense of duty and vigilance. The towering pines and lush underbrush create a serene yet commanding backdrop, symbolizing both the beauty and the challenges of the wild landscapes they were tasked to protect. The image not only captures their pioneering role in conservation but also reflects the broader narrative of African American history and service.
RELATED TEXT: Black Soldiers in the West, pictured here at Yosemite National Park in California, became some of the first National Park Rangers.
CREDIT: National Park Service
DESCRIBING: A black and white historical photograph.
SYNOPSIS: This image features seven soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, posing together during World War One. The soldiers are dressed in their military uniforms, seated and standing in a formation that emphasizes their unity and camaraderie.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This historical photograph features seven soldiers from the acclaimed 369th Infantry Regiment, also called the Harlem Hellfighters, during World War One. Four soldiers are posed in the front row, crouched down, while three are behind them, slightly elevated, standing tall. The dark uniforms consist of heavy overcoats and distinctive forage caps tilted slightly forward. The soldiers’ faces range from stoic to subtly proud, presenting a powerful image of their bravery and resilience. Medals, specifically the Croix de Guerre, adorn their chests, a testament to their valor. Behind them, a metallic structure suggests an industrial or military backdrop.
RELATED TEXT: The 369th Infantry, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, were on the frontlines of World War One and suffered the most casualties of any American regiment. 170 members of the unit earned the Croix de Guerre fighting in the French Fourth Army.
CREDIT: National Archives
DESCRIBING: A black and white photograph.
SYNOPSIS: The image shows a group of Black American pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen, standing in a line beside their aircrafts during World War Two. The men are in uniform, standing at attention, and saluting.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: In this black and white photograph, a group of Black American pilots, known as the Tuskegee Airmen, stand in a tight line beside two military aircrafts on an airfield. The aircrafts are single engine, propeller driven planes, positioned diagonally across the frame. The pilots are dressed in matching leather jackets with fur lined collars, gloves, and caps. Each man stands at attention, on man in the middle of the group salutes with his right hand against his forehead. A military officer in a long coat stands at the forefront, saluting back. The background is overcast, reflecting a somber yet proud moment as they prepare for duty. The expression on the men's faces is solemn, signifying their dedication and the gravity of their service.
RELATED TEXT: The Tuskegee airmen were the first Black American pilots in the United States military and fought during World War Two.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A black and white photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A soldier is depicted during a moment of rest in a heavily armored tank, surrounded by battle worn equipment, providing a glimpse into the life of those who served in the armored divisions.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This black and white photograph captures a soldier mid torso, stationed at the open hatch of a tank. He wears a well-worn military jacket, gloves, and helmet. The soldier is smiling, exuding a sense of vitality and hope despite the grim surroundings. He grips a submachine gun, its barrel pointed upwards, and both the gun and the soldier’s uniform are caked in dirt. Behind him, the tank’s turret is visible, with a prominent cannon and additional mounted guns, marked by scuffs and scratches, attesting to their extensive use. The immediate background shows part of the tank’s rugged exterior, suggesting the armored vehicle’s critical role in providing protection and firepower.
RELATED TEXT: Nathaniel Simmons was from Beaufort and served in the 761st regiment. He is buried at Beaufort National Cemetery.
CREDIT: United States Army
DESCRIBING: A black and white photograph.
SYNOPSIS: This is a photograph of Black Marines in training at Montford Point, North Carolina, taken in 1942. It shows the recruits marching in formation at a segregated boot camp. Their uniforms and rifles highlight their readiness and the intense training they underwent.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The image captures an essential chapter of American history, depicting Black Marines during World War Two. These young men march in formation on a dusty parade ground at Montford Point, North Carolina. Each recruit is clad in the standard-issue uniform, complete with matching caps and rifles held vigilantly on their right shoulders. The straight lines and focus of their march symbolize discipline and readiness. Their faces tell stories of determination and resilience against the backdrop of a deeply segregated society.
RELATED TEXT: Recruits trained at a segregated boot camp in Montford Point, North Carolina in 1942. The Fifty-First and Fifty-Second Defense Battalions were some of the first Black Marines. Black Marines also served in Ammunition and Field Department Units.
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A red exhibit panel with cream colored text.
RELATED TEXT: The First South Carolina Volunteers blazed a trail for future Black military service. In the World Wars, units like the Harlem Hellfighters, 761st Tank Battalion, the 6888th Battalion continued their legacy. President Truman desegregated the United States Military in 1948.
These soldiers forever changed the United States and continue to be on the frontlines of freedom.
DESCRIBING: A historical photograph in black and white.
SYNOPSIS: The image features members of the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, the only Black female regiment sent overseas during World War Two. The women stand in formation, dressed in military uniforms, and convey a sense of pride and purpose.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This black and white photograph captures a moment from World War Two, featuring a group of Black women soldiers in the 6888th Central Postal Battalion. The women, dressed in matching military coats, skirts, and caps, are positioned in a tight formation. Each woman stands with a straight posture, eyes forward, radiating a sense of duty and professionalism. Their uniforms are adorned with insignia and medals, indicating their roles and achievements. The setting includes a backdrop of barren trees and nondescript military buildings, evoking the austere conditions of their service. This image not only highlights their military discipline but also serves as a testament to their pioneering contribution to the war effort.
RELATED TEXT: The 6888th Central Postal Battalion was the only Black female regiment to be sent overseas in World War Two.
CREDIT: National Archives
DESCRIBING: A text exhibit panel.
SYNOPSIS: A navy blue exhibit panel with cream color text and a cream color QR code in the bottom center of the panel.
RELATED TEXT: Learn more about Camp Saxton and the First South Carolina Volunteers at www.nps.gov/reer/ or scan the QR code.
The mannequin of Prince Rivers and information panel are on the left side of the building. To reach the display from the front entrance walk into the building and turn left. To get to the display from the back entrance walk a short distance past four windows on the left and turn right, then walk a short distance across the building. Be careful of the two exhibit cases set towards the middle of the room on the right side.
DESCRIBING: A medium size light blue panel.
SYNOPSIS: The exhibit panel sits on an easel just below hip height in front of the mannequin of Prince Rivers. The panel is light blue with text and a photograph of Prince Rivers.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The light blue exhibit panel has a quote in bold text at the top. Under the quote on the right two thirds of the panel is text. On the left one third of the panel is a black and white photograph of Prince Rivers. Rivers, a Black man with short hair and a mustache, poses in a dark suit, light colored vest, shirt, and bowtie. He faces forward and his eyes look straight ahead. His attire and posture are formal and dignified.
RELATED TEXT:”…with the flag in hand… Prince said he would die before surrendering it, and that he wanted to show it to all the old masters.” Chaplain Mansfield French
Imagine yourself in a crowd underneath a large oak tree just across the street from where you now stand. It’s January 1, 1863 Emancipation Day. Prince Rivers, a formerly enslaved man from Beaufort, takes the stage, and is presented an American flag. He holds the flag aloft and the crowd begins to sing “My Country Tis of Thee”.
An old man in the crowd exclaims “My country’s flag! My country’s flag!”
Indeed the Year of Jubilee Has Come
CREDIT: Library of Congress
DESCRIBING: A mannequin holding an American Flag.
SYNOPSIS: A life sized mannequin of Prince Rivers wears a military uniform and holds and American flag.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The mannequin portrays Prince Rivers, a Black soldier in the First South Carolina Volunteers. Rivers was a color bearer in the First South Carolina Volunteers, to display that, the mannequin holds a replica of the First South Carolina Volunteers flag. The replica is a standard American flag with gold stars, a gold fringe, and the text “The Year of Jubilee Has Come, First South Carolina Volunteers.” Rivers wears a wide brimmed hat with one side pinned up. The hat has a feather, blue band, bugle pin with the number 1, and an "A" pin on the front. Rivers’ coat is blue with gold buttons and blue sergeant stripes on the sleeves. He carries a canteen about his chest and wears bright red pants and black boots.
From the front door walk a short distance forward and then turn to the right to face the exhibit cases in the middle of the room. To reach the cases from the back entrance walk forward a short distance then turn to the left to face the exhibit cases in the middle of the room.
DESCRIBING: A wooden object case filled with replica objects.
SYNOPSIS: A medium size, tabletop object case with objects about education, land ownership, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Woman’s Relief Corp.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: On the short end of the case closes to the information desk are objects related to education in Camp Saxton including a slate and chalk and a deconstructed primer printed on yellowed paper. The middle of the case is split on each long side.
Objects about the Woman’s Relief Corp including a medal, photograph with Susie King Taylor, and photograph from a modern Memorial Day service are on the side of the case facing the exhibit on the right wall. The left side of the case has objects related to the Grand Army of the Republic including badges, pins, medals, photos, and buttons. Next to the Grand Army of the Republic objects is a land sale certificate for land bought by Sergeant Prince Rivers.
DESCRIBING: A slate with chalk and a replica of a primer.
SYNOPSIS: A group of education materials including a slate with chalk and a primer. The primer is printed on yellowed paper and is deconstructed to show the various pages.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A slate with chalk sitting on top of a deconstructed educational primer. The small handheld slate has a light wood frame around a black slate with “A B C” written in chalk on the slate. Two pieces of broken chalk sit with the slate one on the slate by the “A” and the other in front of the slate. Under the slate is a deconstructed primer titled “The Instructor designed for the Common Schools in America.” “Containing the Elements of the English language, and lessons in orthography and reading. By Hall J. Kelley, A. M.” Written in pen on the top of the page is “Whitney School, Number 1, 1881” This instructor or primer was printed in 1823, but used by Elizabeth Botume at the Whitney School for formerly enslaved people in the 1880s. Five of the pages showing the “Preface” and lessons in vowels and consonants are layered under the cover page.
RELATED TEXT: Many Black soldiers learned to read in army camps like Camp Saxton and later became champions for education access. Susie King Taylor wrote in her memoir, “I have received letters from some of the comrades, since we parted in 1866, with expressions of gratitude and thanks to me for teaching them their first letters. One of them, Peter Waggall, is a minister in Jacksonville, Florida.”
DESCRIBING: Two images, a medal, hat emblem, pins, and buttons
SYNOPSIS: A grouping of objects about the Grand Army of the Republic. A medium image of a Grand Army of the Republic member wearing his medals and hat emblem. A smaller image of post number 9 of the Grand Army of the Republic, this post is located in Beaufort, South Carolina. A star shaped medal with an American flag ribbon. A hat pin of Grand Army of the Republic in a laurel wreath. A shield shaped pin and many small Grand Army of the Republic buttons.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A group of objects about the Grand Army of the Republic take up most of the left side of the case. At the left side by the education materials are two pieces of a Grand Army of the Republic medal. The smaller metal is a decorative piece for the top of the ribbon, next to it is a pin in the shape of a shield with small engravings in it and Grand Army of the Republic.
Around this side of the case are small and medium sized buttons with Grand Army of the Republic engraved on them. Next to the medals is a hat pin with Grand Army of the Republic in the middle of a half laurel.
A photo of Matt Jones sits in the middle of the case. Matt Jones is a Black man with a mustache and goatee, he wears a wide brim hat with the Grand Army of the Republic laurel hat pin. He wears a jacket with several Grand Army of the Republic medals and ribbons.
Next to the image of Matt Jones is a modern image of the outside of Grand Army of the Republic post #9. The Hall is a single-story white building with large windows and green shutters. In front of the hall is a historical marker.
Below the image of Post #9 is a Grand Army of the Republic pin with an eagle at the top, an American flag ribbon in the center and a five-pointed star at the bottom with Grand Army of the Republic engraved in the center with a group of people shaking hands.
RELATED TEXT: Founded in 1866, the Grand Army of the Republic was the largest organization of Union veterans. Nearly half a million men join the Grand Army of the Republic, which became a politically powerful fraternal organization during Reconstruction. Matt Jones, pictured here, served in the 21st United States Colored Troops and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic on Hilton Head. Here in Beaufort, the David Hunter Post #9 met on Newcastle Street. Their Grand Army of the Republic Hall was added to the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network in 2022.
DESCRIBING: Two images and a medal.
SYNOPSIS: A collection of three small items about the Woman’s Relief Corps. The first is a medium size black and white photograph of a Woman’s Relief Corp group from the 1900s with Susie King Taylor. Then there is a small color photograph of a Woman’s Relief Corp member speaking to a crowd at an event. The final object is a Woman’s Relief Corp medal with a red, white, and blue ribbon.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: On the right side of the object case sits three objects about the Woman’s Relief Corps. The largest picture is of the Boston chapter in 1904 that Susie King Taylor helped organize. Twenty-four women stand and sit in three rows posed for a group photograph. The women all wear the Woman’s Relief Corp medal on their shirts and dresses. Susie King Taylor sits in the front row in the left corner. She wears her hair up with a bow and a dark dress.
The smaller photo is of a modern-day Memorial Day service. A crowd sits in chairs in front of a national cemetery while a Woman’s Relief Corps member speaks at a podium. She wears a tan uniform of a knee length skirt, button down shirt, black tie, and tan cap.
The third item is a Woman’s Relief Corp medal. The metal has a decorative brass top connected to a cross-style medal by a red, white, and blue striped ribbon. The middle of the medal has a group of people standing together shaking hands as children play.
RELATED TEXT: In 1879, the wives of Grand Army of the Republic members organized the Woman’s Relief Corps. The Woman's Relief Corps championed causes like pension reform and women’s suffrage. Susie King Taylor helped organize a chapter in Boston, Massachusetts, and she served as an officer in the organization. Today in Beaufort, the Woman's Relief Corps works with the local Sons of Union Veterans to plan the annual Memorial Day parade.
DESCRIBING: A replica of a document.
SYNOPSIS: A legal size document with printed text and handwriting. The document is a land sale certificate for a property purchased by Prince Rivers in 1868.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A yellowed piece of paper with a “Head of Family Land Certificate” printed and written. The certificate is “Number 2019” and certifies the purchase of “Lot 8” in Port Royal by Prince Rivers for a “sum of thirty dollars” on the “Seventeenth day of March in the year of our lord 1868.” The paperwork has both printed text from a machine and handwritten text from the commissioners who filled out the certificate.
RELATED TEXT: Many veterans used their wages to purchase property and form communities after the war. Sergeant Prince Rivers said: “My brethren, I don’t intend to lay down my gun till the war is done, and our brethren all get their freedom- and then, if I be alive, I will come home and enjoy my family and my land. We mens, fifty of us in the First South Carolina Volunteers, have got 1,000 dollars for land, and I won’t say how much more, but if any man bids against us, he will find we got another dollar more. So just let him remember that.”
DESCRIBING: A wooden object case filled with replica objects.
SYNOPSIS: An object case with objects related to the Whitney School that ran on Camp Saxton for several decades. The case includes replica letters and photographs from the Botume Collection.
RELATED TEXT: The contents of this case were generously donated to the Park from the Myrick family, descedants of Elizabeth Botume. Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is grateful for this kind contribution of our collection, thank you to the Myrick family.
DESCRIBING: A black and white photograph
SYNOPSIS: A medium sized black and white photograph of a schoolhouse. A group of people stand outside the schoolhouse which has a porch and a steeple.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A wooden cross shaped schoolhouse sits on brick pillars off the ground. The schoolhouse has a brick chimney and a copula on the roof. The schoolhouse has glass windows with shutters and looks like it was recently built. A small front porch with steps leading up to the front door is occupied by rows of Black children. Most of the children sit on the steps huddled together, but a few stand on either side of the steps. All the children are dressed in their best clothes, they range in age but most of them look quite young. There are two smaller white buildings to the right of the schoolhouse behind a few trees. The landscape is grassy and sandy with a few small plants scattered around. Birds sit in a bare tree in the background.
RELATED TEXT: Some of Botume’s pupils sit outside of their new schoolhouse for a picture. Schools like this one were the first opportunity for a formal education for multiple generations of the formerly enslaved people of the area. The “Daggir’s” in the caption is in reference to the Spanish dagger or Yucca Glorioso seen in the forefront of the picture, which grows naturally in the area.
DESCRIBING: A replica of a handwritten letter
SYNOPSIS: A two page letter on yellowed paper with script handwriting. The letter is from Caroline A.R. Whitney to Elizabeth Hyde Botume.
RELATED TEXT: In this 1901 letter to Botume, Caroline pledges her continuing support of the Whitney school, of which her family is the namesake. Financial support from organizations and private citizens was crucial for the continued operations of the Whitney School and other Freedmen’s schools in South Carolina even after the 1868 State Constitution allotted for tax money to be used for education purposes.
DESCRIBING: A sepia toned photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A small photograph from an album of two women sitting in a horse drawn carriage.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Two women sit in a carriage in front of a tree and house. The women are both well dressed in hats, jackets, and skirts. They both look directly at the viewer, the older woman on the left is Elizabeth Botume, while one of the younger teachers sits next to her. The two-seater carriage has four large wheels and connects to a medium sized horse or mule. The horse has a dark shiny coat and wears a fly mask on its eyes and a harness. The background has trees and saw palmettos.
RELATED TEXT: Botume was born in Oswego, New York in 1823. She was appointed by the New England Freedmen’s Aid Society as a teacher of the freed people at Beaufort in 1864. Botume taught at the Whitney School in Port Royal for 40 years. Botume believed, “Our hopes for the future of this race must lie in the children born in freedom. They are like a new race, unknown before.”
DESCRIBING: A sepia toned photograph.
SYNOPSIS: A small sepia toned photograph from a photo album. The image is of a family posing for their picture.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A Black family poses for a photograph in front of trees. The father or paternal figure stands in the back on the left, he wears a long jacket and dignified expression. To his left is a small child wearing a hat, shirt, pants, and boots. The child stands with their hands in their pockets looking at a woman sitting in a chair to their right. The woman possibly the mother or maternal figure sits in a chair looking straight forward, she wears a hair covering, dress, shawl, and apron. To the woman’s right another woman stands with one are crossed around her middle. She wears a hair covering, dress, and apron. To her right a boy stands tall, holding his hat in his hand wearing a shirt, pants, shoes, and an apron. In the middle of the photo a white woman and man both elegantly dress hide in the background with smiles. The woman may be Botume or another teacher.
RELATED TEXT: James Brooks stands with his family. Formerly enslaved people worked for wages during the Port Royal Experiment, which made land ownership possible for many Black families in the area. Wages and access to an education served as a cornerstone for economic stability for the formerly enslaved at Camp Saxton. Notice the two onlookers in the back of the photograph.
DESCRIBING: A black and white image.
SYNOPSIS: A medium size photograph of a house in black and white. The two-story house is set back in behind some trees. Each story has a porch the whole width of the house.
IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A two story raised house. The house has wooden siding and a porch on both levels with four windows and a door on each level. Ten steps lead up the middle of the house to the first level porch and front door. The back of the house extends slightly further then the front revealing another window on each floor on the left and a bay window on each floor on the right. The house is on brick stilts half a level high and the raise area is covered by wooden siding with a door on the left side. Trees and spiky Spanish bayonet plants surround the outside of the house. On the right side of the house a water pump sits on top of a well.
RELATED TEXT: This is the house that Elizabeth Botume lived in while she was a teacher at the Whitney school in Port Royal from 1864 to 1904. Botume was one of many teachers to go to the Lowcountry during the Port Royal Experiment. Botume, like many of the teachers during the Port Royal Experiment, relied heavily on the funding of freedmen’s aid societies and abolitionist groups to run their schools.
DESCRIBING: A replica of a handwritten letter.
SYNOPSIS: A six-page letter on yellowed paper written in cursive. The letter is from Elizabeth Hyde Botume to Booker T. Washington.
RELATED TEXT: In this 1901 letter to Booker T. Washington, Botume asked him to take over her school. Washington was a driving force in Black education during the Reconstruction era. He supported schools that educated the formerly enslaved and created Black teachers to continue educating the people of their communities. By 1900 around 20,000 Black educators taught in schools around the nation.