Baygall Historic Gullah Neighborhood

Located near the Port Royal Sound, the Baygall historic Gullah neighborhood encompasses areas in the vicinity of Beach City, Baygall and Mitchelville Roads.

• Baygall is perhaps most famously known as the site of Mitchelville, the first self-governing town of formerly enslaved people in the United States.
• It is home to three Historic Gullah churches:
  • The Historic First African Baptist Church, which originally was established on the Mitchelville Settlement and was the first house of worship for freedmen.
  • Queen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church that was originally located at the old oak tree still present on the site.
  • St. James Baptist Church.
• This community contains several historic landmarks, including Drayton Cemetery, remnants of plantation-era tabby ruins, and Fort Howell — a Civil War fort built to protect the nearby Mitchelville settlement.
• This community was known for drum fishing and big game hunting. These activities provided food and showcased the area's rich natural resources and cultural traditions.
• This community was home to the Hilton Head Blue Jays baseball team, where local talent was nurtured and celebrated. Notably, Hilton Head Island native Dan Driessen, a former professional player for the Cincinnati Reds, began his baseball journey here.