Preserving the Soul of the Lowcountry: Why Sol Legare and Scanlonville’s Fight for Recognition Matters
There’s something profoundly moving about communities fighting to preserve their own stories. It’s not just about bricks and mortar or gravesites—it’s about reclaiming identity, honoring ancestors, and ensuring that the voices of the marginalized aren’t erased. This is exactly what’s happening in Sol Legare and Scanlonville, two Lowcountry communities in South Carolina, as they make their final push to get their historic sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Personally, I think this effort is about more than preservation; it’s a rebellion against historical amnesia, a refusal to let the struggles and triumphs of Black communities fade into obscurity.
The Sol Legare Community Center: A Living Monument to Resilience
What makes the Sol Legare Community Center particularly fascinating is its role as a microcosm of Black resilience during segregation. This 80-year-old building wasn’t just a school—it was a lifeline. From kindergarten through ninth grade, it educated Black children at a time when opportunities were systematically denied. Later, it became a vocational school and a daycare, adapting to the needs of the community. In my opinion, this adaptability is a testament to the ingenuity of a people who refused to be defined by the limitations imposed on them.
But here’s the thing: preserving this site isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about protecting a physical reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go. If Sol Legare Road becomes a historic district, it won’t just safeguard the community center; it’ll create a buffer against gentrification and development that could displace residents. What this really suggests is that historic preservation isn’t just about the past—it’s a tool for social justice in the present.
Scanlonville Cemetery: Sacred Ground and Contested History
Now, let’s talk about the Scanlonville Cemetery, or Remley’s Point Cemetery, as it’s also known. Established in 1868 by freedman Robert Scanlon, this site is more than a burial ground—it’s a living archive of American history. With over 40 marked graves and potentially 1,000 souls resting there, it’s a testament to the endurance of a people who survived slavery, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and beyond.
What many people don’t realize is that this cemetery has already fought one battle for survival. Over 20 years ago, a court case between residents and a developer threatened to erase it entirely. The court ruled in favor of the community, declaring the cemetery publicly dedicated and never abandoned. But despite meeting all criteria for the National Register in 2002, it was denied because the community didn’t own it at the time. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a glaring example of how systemic barriers can obstruct even the most deserving efforts to preserve history.
This time, though, the outcome might be different. With the help of a grant for underrepresented communities, Scanlonville’s nomination is moving forward. And what this really suggests is that when resources are allocated equitably, communities can finally tell their own stories on their own terms.
The Broader Implications: Why This Fight Matters Beyond the Lowcountry
Here’s where things get even more interesting: the fight in Sol Legare and Scanlonville isn’t just local—it’s national. These communities are part of a larger trend of Black and Indigenous groups reclaiming their histories in the face of erasure. From my perspective, this is a critical moment in the broader movement for racial justice. Historic preservation isn’t just about saving old buildings or cemeteries; it’s about challenging the narratives that have dominated American history for centuries.
One thing that immediately stands out is how these efforts intersect with contemporary issues. Gentrification, environmental justice, and cultural appropriation are all tied to the question of who gets to tell history—and who gets to profit from it. By preserving sites like the Sol Legare Community Center and Scanlonville Cemetery, these communities are asserting their right to shape their own futures.
A Detail That I Find Especially Interesting
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of the Gullah Geechee Heritage Preservation Project in all of this. The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans brought to the Southeast, have a unique culture and history that’s often overlooked. Chloe Stuber, the project manager, rightly points out that there’s a ‘tremendous amount of beautiful black history’ in the Lowcountry that remains unknown. This project isn’t just about preserving sites—it’s about educating the public and fostering pride in a heritage that’s been systematically marginalized.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Future
If the nominations are approved, they’ll move to the National Park Service for a final decision. But even if they succeed, the work won’t be over. Preservation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Communities will still need resources, support, and visibility to maintain these sites and keep their stories alive.
In my opinion, the real victory here won’t be the listing itself—it’ll be the precedent it sets. If Sol Legare and Scanlonville can succeed, it’ll inspire other underserved communities to fight for their own histories. And that, to me, is the most exciting part of this story.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this effort, I’m struck by its duality. On one hand, it’s a deeply personal fight for two small communities in South Carolina. On the other, it’s a powerful statement about the importance of representation, justice, and memory in America. What this really suggests is that history isn’t just something we study—it’s something we live, breathe, and shape every day.
So, here’s my takeaway: the next time you hear about a historic site being preserved, don’t just think about the past. Think about the people fighting to keep it alive, the stories they’re telling, and the future they’re building. Because in the end, that’s what history is all about.
