Sullivan's Island was named after caption Florence O' Sullivan and is located in the Charleston harbor. The Africans who had to endure the horrible journey through the middle passage were quarantined on Sullivan’s Island. They were quarantined for nine or ten days to insure that they didn't have any diseases such as small pox or yellow fever. This precaution was taken because in 1706 Charleston experienced a horrible outbreak of yellow fever that killed many. The place the Africans had to stay for the long ten days at was known as a pest house. Pest houses were about 10 by 30 feet and are estimated to hold 200-300 slaves at a time. Most of the pest houses remained on Sullivan's Island until 1790, they were moved because of the complaints of the people living on the island. The last one was moved to Morris Island in 1796. Sullivan's Island wasn't just used for holding slaves though, thousands of ships passed through the island every year on their way to Charleston. 40% or 200,000 to 360,000 African Americans alive today can trace their ancestry to West Africa through Sullivan’s Island.
Although the history of Sullivan's island is not forgotten it shows very little of its past today. The island is a popular vacation spot for families because it is kid friendly and it's beaches are beautiful and clean. It is different then some beaches because it is not completely taken over by tourism although it is quite crowded in the summer and on holidays.
Although the history of Sullivan's island is not forgotten it shows very little of its past today. The island is a popular vacation spot for families because it is kid friendly and it's beaches are beautiful and clean. It is different then some beaches because it is not completely taken over by tourism although it is quite crowded in the summer and on holidays.
Slaves were treated horribly at Sullivan's Island
This sign educates people on the history of Sullivan's Island.
This sign shows Africans in Sullivan's Island
This sign tells the history of Sullivan's Island
Sullivan's Island looks like this today