Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Hilton Head
The site of Mitchelville, the first self-governed town of freed people in the United States, with a free trail, exhibits and guided tours.
- 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
- (843) 255-7301
Hours
Summer6 a.m. to 9 p.m.Winter6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mitchelville tours
Self-guided and guided tours of the park, booked through the park.
Booked through FareHarbor, the island operators’ own booking system. HHI.com may earn a commission.
- Founded: October 1862
- Cost: free to walk
- Tours: guided or self-guided
- Parking: free
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is the place where, in the fall of 1862, formerly enslaved people on Hilton Head began to build a town of their own. Mitchelville was founded in October 1862 under Union Major General Ormsby Mitchel and grew to thousands of residents. It is widely regarded as the first self-governed community of freed people in the United States, and it passed the first compulsory education law in South Carolina. Today it is a Town park on the north end of the island.
What You Will See at Mitchelville Freedom Park
The park is outdoors and mostly a quiet walk. A trail winds through the oaks past interpretive signs and exhibits about the town, and it leads toward the water, with an observation deck and a picnic pavilion along the way. Archaeologists still work on the grounds. There is free parking and the Town lists a trail, a pavilion and an observation deck among the amenities.
Tours and Hours
Walking the grounds is free. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter. Guided and self-guided tours are booked online above, and the park’s own number is (843) 255-7301.
Mitchelville Beach Park and Fish Haul: Not the Same Place
In 2020 the Town renamed the nearby Fish Haul Creek Park as Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, and the beach park that used to be called Mitchelville Beach Park is now Fish Haul Beach Park. If you came for sand and the water, see the Hilton Head beaches; the historic park is the one with the interpretive trail.
Mitchelville in the Story of the Island
The park’s exhibits cover the island’s Civil War and Reconstruction story.
More Hilton Head parks and history
Hilton Head SC parks worth a visit: a pirate-ship playground, Pinckney Island trails and Mitchelville, plus every Town park, address and amenity.
Every named beach on Hilton Head Island — Coligny, Driessen, Folly Field, Burke's, and more — with parking, amenities, and which one is right for your trip.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge: free, open sunrise to sunset, with 14+ miles of trails, wading birds and no dogs allowed. Directions and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park?
It is a Town park on the site of Mitchelville, founded in October 1862 and widely regarded as the first self-governed town of freed people in the United States.
Is Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park free?
Yes, walking the park is free and so is the parking. Guided tours are booked separately.
Where is Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park?
40 Harriet Tubman Way on the north end of Hilton Head Island.
What are the hours at Mitchelville Freedom Park?
6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter.
Is Mitchelville the same as Fish Haul Beach Park?
No. The Town renamed Fish Haul Creek Park as Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park in 2020; the beach park next door is Fish Haul Beach Park.
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