Enjoy it while visiting Wilmington in North Carolina
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor stretches from Wilmington, North Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida, and includes Poplar Grove Plantation. The Gullah Geechee people are the descendants of Africans who were once enslaved on plantations along the Atlantic coast. They have a rich cultural heritage that encompasses their language, arts, crafts, music, food, and religious traditions. By visiting Poplar Grove Plantation, which used to be a sweet potato and peanut plantation, you can learn more about the fascinating Gullah Geechee culture.
The Gullah Geechee’s agricultural skills played a vital role in the plantation. They grew sweet potatoes and peanuts, which were sold locally to planter families. This helped supplement the diet of the enslaved individuals. In addition to their agricultural work, they also built the manor house that visitors can admire today. The manor house, a three-story building dating back to 1850, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When exploring the site, visitors will come across two heritage art studios: a basket gallery and a blacksmith shop. There is also an agriculture exhibit showcasing a peanut thrasher and providing information about peanut production. Families with children will be delighted to visit the on-site stables housing various animals like pigs, goats, ducks, horses, sheep, cats, hens, and roosters. These animals give a glimpse into farm life during the 19th century.