The Freedman Arts District is a community-based nonprofit located inside the National
Historic Landmark District of Beaufort, SC. The name Freedman Arts District represents
both the 501c3 and the geographic boundaries of the area in which we work. Inside these
districts exist two areas or small neighborhoods of great historical significance to the story of
Beaufort, the United States of America, and particularly to those of African descent. These
areas are known as the Northwest Quadrant; Old Commons neighborhoods of downtown
Beaufort and are located within the Freedman Arts District boundaries.
During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Beaufort’s social system was unique in the South. The
enslaved population of Beaufort and the surrounding areas became effectively free more than a year before the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Lincoln on January 1, 1863. The formerly enslaved, or “Freedmen”, could purchase land, build homes, businesses, and begin to participate in the creation of intergenerational wealth through home ownership. This early freedman’s community began within the boundaries of the Freedman Arts District. The homesteads were known as freedman’s cottages and are a hallmark of the Reconstruction Era. Many of the cottages have been passed down through generations from the ancestral builder. This area forms the backbone of the downtown sector of the National Park Service’s Reconstruction Era National Historical Park.
The Freedman Arts District, in cooperation with community leaders, has identified
approximately fifty structures which we believe contribute to the history and fabric of the
Freedman Arts District, the city, and the nation. Unfortunately, due to social, political, socio-
economic and other factors, many of these properties are currently in dire need of repair or
renovation. With the help of community leaders, businesses, vendors & donors, the Freedman
Arts District works with property owners to renovate these structures, saving vital pieces of
history when possible; and assisting in removal and new construction when renovation isn’t a
viable option. This cooperative work restores the fabric of the community while encouraging
ownership to stay within the families.
The stories of formerly enslaved people who overcame tremendous obstacles and built these
first homes and neighborhoods must be preserved. The people, the families, their histories, and
their contributions are important to the story of Beaufort and our nation, beginning before
Reconstruction and continuing through today. As Former Secretary of State Bruce Babbitt
observed while touring the area, “This is not a Beaufort story, this is not a South Carolina
story, this is an American story that should be told."
Today, more than 100 years later, this area is a haven for writers, musicians, artists, craft-people
and Gullah performers who continue to add to the rich culture of one of the South’s most
charming towns. With your help the Freedman Arts District can continue to restore these
historically significant buildings while preserving a legacy for families, revitalizing a community,
and safeguarding an integral part of the history of our nation.
This piece is a collaboration of many that have worked on spreading the vision of the Freedman Arts District. A special thanks to Christopher Nash for his continued support.
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