The small coastal town of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, is rethinking how it welcomes visitors after a proposed sign sparked controversy within the community. What was meant to celebrate the island’s Revolutionary War history has instead opened up difficult conversations about how to honor the past while acknowledging painful truths.
The Sign That Sparked Debate
As part of the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, the South Carolina American Revolution 250th Commission asked Sullivan’s Island to put up a temporary welcome sign. The original design was set to read:
“The Gateway to Liberty Since 1776.”
The phrase referred to the Battle of Sullivan’s Island, a significant Revolutionary War victory. However, once the sign was approved, many residents raised concerns, arguing that it ignored another chapter of the island’s past: its role in the transatlantic slave trade.
According to the National Park Service, enslaved Africans were once quarantined on Sullivan’s Island in pest houses before being taken to Charleston markets. For many in the community, the phrase “Gateway to Liberty” failed to reflect this reality.
Community Pushback and Reflection
The town council admitted that all earlier meetings about the slogan were public, but opposition only arose after approval. Once complaints began, the sign’s production was immediately paused.
Town councilmember Jody Latham expressed regret over the oversight:
“Once someone brought it up, I was just adamant that I don’t think we could continue… Thankfully, we have a very responsive town council, and they listened to what people said.”
During a recent meeting, residents were given unlimited time for public comment. Many voiced disappointment in the original wording, calling it “too narrow” and “failing to recognize the complex, painful part of our history.” Others defended the phrase, saying it honored a major victory and should not focus on past mistakes.
New Ideas on the Table
In place of the original slogan, community members suggested alternatives that would capture both the Revolutionary War triumph and the resilience of the people impacted by slavery. Some ideas included:
“History Lives Here”
“Revolution and Resilience”
These phrases reflect a broader, more inclusive view of the island’s layered history.
Council’s Decision Moving Forward
Town officials have now committed to scrapping the original phrase and involving the community more actively in the final decision. Councilmember Ned Higgins summed up the sentiment:
“I think we were wrong on this and we need to find better words.”
The temporary welcome sign will be redesigned, with the goal of having it in place by July 4, 2026, in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The debate over Sullivan’s Island’s welcome sign shows how communities continue to wrestle with how to remember history. While victories like the Battle of Sullivan’s Island deserve recognition, residents also want to ensure that the island’s painful role in slavery is not forgotten. By opening the door to more dialogue, the town is taking steps toward a message that reflects both pride and honesty in its history.
