The Gullah Geechee History in Jacksonville
February 20, 2024 | amandasearlerealtor
Did you know that Jacksonville is home to the largest concentration of Gullah Geechee people in the United States? The Gullah Geechee are descendants of enslaved West Africans who were brought to the coastal regions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to work on plantations.
The Gullah Geechee developed a unique culture that blended African traditions with European and Native American influences. This culture is reflected in their language, food, music, and crafts.
The Gullah Geechee played an important role in the development of Jacksonville. They worked as farmers, fishermen, and dockworkers. They also established their own communities, churches, and schools.
Today, the Gullah Geechee culture is still thriving in Jacksonville. There are a number of Gullah Geechee cultural organizations and businesses in the city. There are also a number of historical sites and museums that tell the story of the Gullah Geechee people.
Here are a few places to learn more about Gullah Geechee history in Jacksonville:
The Cosmo Community. Cosmo is a historic Gullah Geechee community located on the Northside of Jacksonville. The community is home to a number of historic homes and churches, as well as the Cosmo Community Park.
The Kingsley Plantation State Historic Site. This plantation was once owned by Zephaniah Kingsley, a white man who married two enslaved African women. The plantation is now a museum that tells the story of Kingsley and his family, as well as the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation.
If you are interested in learning more about the Gullah Geechee people and their culture, I encourage you visit the Gullah Geechee Cultural Corridor.
