Research Library

Researching African American ancestry is challenging for even the most experienced researcher. The Lowcountry Southeast presents additional challenges because of its long and complicated history.

Our Research Library will provide the resources you will need for a successful ancestor search in the Lowcountry, as well as historical background for envisioning the lives of ancestors.

What's New

Index of Crop Liens, James Island, Charleston County, SC, 1885 to 1894

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1 Get Skills

Beginning Genealogy

Want to research your ancestry but not sure how to start? Our Beginning Genealogy page will help you learn the skills you need for a successful ancestor search!

Research Methods

By Michael Hait

Michael Hait's Research Methods page will help you refine your skills and stay on track with sound research principles.

2 Get Organized

3 Get Going

Got Tools?

By Robin Foster

Organize your research. Clear out paper clutter. Back up your files. Take your data on the road. Got Tools? by Robin Foster will help you discover tools for putting it all together.

Let's Research!

The articles and records below are organized by state.

South Carolina Resources

Who Lived This History?

The 33rd United States Colored Troops (USCT)

The capture of Port Royal, South Carolina by Union forces in November 1861 set in motion a series of events which would lead to one of the largest social transformations in the history of the Lowcountry Southeast: the emancipation of ten thousand enslaved people on South Carolina's sea islands.

Port Royal was also the staging ground of the first African Americans mustered into the United States military: the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry, which later became the 33rd United States Colored Troops (USCT). MORE...

Who Lived This History?

The Combahee Raid

In the early morning hours of June 2, 1863, Union troops based at Port Royal, South Carolina conducted a daring raid up the Combahee River, which winds inland from Port Royal Sound. Union Naval forces had captured Port Royal in November of 1861. Led by Colonel James Montgomery, African American troops of the 2nd South Carolina Regiment advanced upon the Combahee River plantations, destroying several plantations and carrying away more than 700 enslaved people.

Who were the African American men, women and children who witnessed, or were freed by, the Combahee Raid? Let's Go See...