Beaufort County’s Cultural Preservation: A Battle for St. Helena Island
Beaufort County, South Carolina, is currently at the heart of a passionate debate about cultural preservation and land development. This conversation sparks memories of 1970 when activist Edith Dabbs unearthed a treasure trove of forgotten history. She discovered an array of glass plate negatives taken by Leigh Richmond Minor between 1900 and 1920, which beautifully showcased the daily lives of Black residents on St. Helena Island. Minor’s photographs painted a picture of resilience and hard work — young men mending shoes, women engaged in canning tomatoes, and teenagers learning essential survival skills.
Preserving History Through Photography
These images, compiled into the book “Face of an Island,” are more than mere snapshots; they’re powerful representations of a culture that continues to fight for its identity amid rapid changes. As St. Helena Island evolved through the years, so did its landscape, which reflected the growth of new communities while simultaneously putting its rich heritage at risk.
The Shift of the 1990s
Fast forward to the 1990s — life on St. Helena Island began to shift dramatically. No longer was it solely the responsibility of the Penn School to educate local children; the public school district took the reins in 1948, and young residents were increasingly seeking opportunities in bustling cities like New York.
This shift toward urbanization, paired with new coastal developments, ushered in a wave of change that many residents felt was both troubling and inevitable. The allure of pink and green beach homes emerging in areas like Harbor Island clashed with the rural charm of the Lowcountry, leading to grassroots efforts to stave off unwanted development.
The Penn School for Preservation
In 1994, the Penn Center, alongside the Coastal Conservation League, acted decisively by creating the Penn School for Preservation. This initiative aimed to educate a diverse group of citizens about the historical significance and ongoing challenges related to economic development and zoning on South Carolina’s islands. Emphasis was placed on preserving the unique Gullah-Geechee culture, which holds deep roots along the Atlantic coast.
Just a few years later, Beaufort County adopted its first Comprehensive Development Plan, aiming to protect the rural nature of St. Helena, but many felt this wasn’t enough. Residents who had participated in the Penn School for Preservation recognized the need for stronger measures to counteract the encroaching development pressure.
The Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO)
Between 1994 and 1999, a dedicated group of citizens lobbied for a Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) to confirm the incompatibility of golf courses and gated communities with the essence of St. Helena. This effort paid off in 1999 as the CPO was officially added to the zoning ordinance, marking a significant victory for cultural preservation advocates.
The Modern-Day Confrontation
Fast forward to 2021, and the stakes became even higher when Elvio Tropeano, a developer, announced plans for a 500-acre purchase on Pine Island. This land, rich in history and located just a narrow causeway away from St. Helena, had been sold for a whopping $18 million. The property’s purchase raised alarms among preservationists, aware that the county’s Comprehensive Development Plan sought to restrict damaging developments.
The Community Speaks Out
After concerns from preservationists, Tropeano proposed modifications that aimed to exempt larger properties from the CPO, sparking heated debates in county meetings. Long-held values clashed with new ambitions, creating a tension that went beyond just land use.
Legal Ramifications
As community members rallied against the proposal, officials unanimously voted to protect the land, leading Tropeano and his associates to seek relief through the legal system. Multiple court cases have since emerged, with the future of St. Helena’s CPO hanging in the balance.
The Wider Implications of Development
This struggle has resulted in heightened awareness among local constituents about the importance of preserving their unique cultural landscape. As various preservation groups come together, they are fighting not just for St. Helena Island but for similar efforts nationwide. Other regions in South Carolina are taking cues from the CPO’s success, creating their tailored overlays meant to protect areas rich in heritage.
Looking Forward: A Community United
The conversation around Pine Island encapsulates a larger narrative about growth, development, and cultural identity. With ongoing court cases and community involvement, the essence of St. Helena Island remains fiercely protected by those who believe that the past should inform and inspire the future. The faces of St. Helena, just like the photographs captured by Minor, showcase a determination to carve out a sustainable future that respects their rich history.
As the community continues to fight for its identity amidst these challenges, it reminds us all of the precious nature of places, stories, and traditions that bind us together.
