Today, Lowcountry Land Trust was honored to participate in a ceremonial event marking Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s (CCPRC) recent acquisition of the historic, permanently protected, 19-acre Wallace Creek property in Hollywood, SC. The ceremony underscored the public and private partnership that led to the future park’s potential for historical interpretation, water access for paddle sports, fishing, water views, and access to the East Coast Greenway. Lowcountry Land Trust played a vital role in this achievement, working in partnership with the Inabinett family, the Lacuna Corporation, and CCPRC to ensure the property’s conservation in perpetuity.
The Wallace Creek property is steeped in history. It is believed to be a site of the Stono Rebellion of 1739, the largest slave uprising in British colonial America. The rebellion unfolded in a 10-mile stretch near present-day Highway 17, and enslaved people involved likely passed by Wallace Creek and the nearby Caw Caw Interpretive Center, a documented rebellion site. In addition to its connection to the Stono Rebellion, Wallace Creek served as a vital recreational space for African American families during segregation. Adjacent to a former segregated “beach,” one of just six such areas in the region, the property offered a place of respite and community.
In the late 20th century, the Wallace Creek property was home to the Sea Island Small Farmers Cooperative, a vital community organization that supported local African American farmers. The cooperative provided essential resources and services, helping farmers to thrive in a challenging environment. The cooperative’s legacy of resilience and community is deeply intertwined with the property’s noteworthy history. The late Curtis Inabinett Sr. was a chief advocate for preserving the site; throughout his life, he worked to preserve the stories of the farmers’ cooperative and other important histories of the site, and its preservation would not have been possible without his leadership and vision.
When the Lacuna Corporation acquired the Wallace Creek property in 2022, they recognized its historical and cultural significance. To protect this invaluable asset, they engaged Lowcountry Land Trust to place a conservation easement on the property. This voluntary legal agreement safeguards the property’s natural features and prevents any development that could compromise its integrity. The conservation easement was made possible in part by a Charleston County Greenbelt grant, demonstrating the community’s support for preserving Wallace Creek. By securing the easement, Lowcountry Land Trust helped pave the way for the property’s eventual transfer to CCPRC, ensuring its future as a public park benefiting the local community.
As CCPRC moves forward with plans to transform Wallace Creek, Lowcountry Land Trust remains committed to supporting the project. Our involvement will continue to focus on ensuring the property’s conservation values are upheld while also participating in CCPRC’s community engagement opportunities. We are excited to see Wallace Creek become a place where residents can connect with nature, learn about the site’s important history, and enjoy recreational activities.
