Magnolia Plantation Cabin Project BlogBy DJ Tucker, Director of African American History and Interpretation at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, SC

Former Slave Cabin, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC

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Magnolia's Cabin Project began more than four years ago in an effort to preserve five historic structures that date circa 1850. These former slave dwellings now act as the focal point for an award-winning 45-minute program in African-American history.

Magnolia recognizes the imperative of acknowledging the vital role that Gullah people and culture played in any interpretation of Lowcountry history. By addressing this oft-overlooked part of the historical narrative, Magnolia seeks to respectfully afford credit where credit is due.

Visitors have the option to take a shuttle to the cabins where they will experience an engaging and interactive discussion of the dynamic issues that shape this inquiry. Afterward, visitors have the opportunity to explore each cabin to appreciate the lengthy period in which the buildings were occupied - from the 1850s to the late-1990s.

This arc of history conveys the tumultuous times continuously challenging African-American families from slavery, the Jim Crow/segregation era and through the modern Civil Rights period.

Magnolia promises visitors will leave with a new found perspective rooted in cutting-edge historical and archaeological studies.