Scanlonville, a historic Black post-Civil War settlement in Mount Pleasant, S.C., founded in 1868 by freedman John L. Scanlon, faces gentrification pressures with less than 10% of original family-owned land remaining. Residents, via the East Cooper Civic Club, actively preserve their Gullah heritage through legal victories, cemetery protection, and planned parks amid demographic shifts and development.
Community Origins
Scanlon purchased 614 acres of former Remley Plantation for $6,100, enabling 100 freedmen to build a self-sufficient Wando River community featuring Riverside Beach (first Black beach), White’s Paradise motel/nightclub, and Remley’s Point Cemetery.
Preservation Efforts
- Remley’s Point Cemetery: Won 2005 court battle (East Cooper Civic Club v. Remley Point Development LLC) affirming public dedication; over 40 marked graves (possibly 1,000+ burials) facing west near water per Gullah tradition. Nominated again for National Register via town grant—expected approval this year.
- Scanlonville Park: Community-led design (international competition winner) at Mathis Ferry Road/5th Ave. includes sweetgrass pavilion, Gullah statues, praise house; ties into Mount Pleasant Way trails and county greenspace funding.
Resident Voices
96-year-old Walter Olsten laments lost dirt roads but hopes to sustain legacy; Gary Simmons calls it a “garden of Eden”; club president Edward Lee stresses resilience, kinship, and cultural continuity against encroaching mansions. Town planner Kate Miller supports as shared history.
