The beauty of St Helena Island is found in its simplicity. Massive Spanish moss covered live oaks, and expansive, unobstructed views of vibrant green marsh grass set the stage for what is truly a unique island experience.
St Helena Island remains largely untouched by developers, and its many dirt roads only add to its appeal. The people of the island are friendly and welcoming, and seem to cherish a quaint, slow-paced lifestyle.
Alongside local farmer's fruit and vegetable stands, you'll discover small corner stores, eclectic shops, and intriguing art galleries. Simple, value priced eateries feature local specialties such as Frogmore Stew and incredibly fresh seafood.
St Helena Island's rich cultural history deserves exploration. St Helena Island was primarily populated by slaves who were brought to the island for plantation work. Due to the remoteness of the island, slaves successfully preserved much of their West African language and traditions. The famous Gullah culture emerged, and played an indispensable roll in St Helena's development. The annual Gullah Festival celebrates and recognizes the customs, language, and history of the Gullah people.
St Helena Island is also home to the historic Penn School. This was the first school in the nation dedicated to the education of freed slaves, and it is now a National Historic Landmark. This is a stop not to be missed.
St Helena Island, South Carolina is a located approximately 5 miles east of Beaufort, and covers roughly 45 square miles. The island serves as a gateway to Hunting Island.