The history of Lowcountry has been shaped by the remarkable women who have played crucial roles throughout its past.
Understanding their endeavors gives us a vivid sense of resilience, innovation, and courage—attributes that continue to influence Lowcountry and beyond. With March being Women’s History Month, we will pay homage to some of these historical women whose influences still echo today.
Harriet Tubman
Photographer: Horatio Seymour Squyer, 1848 – 18 Dec 1905 – National Portrait Gallery
Harriet Tubman, an iconic figure in American history known for her role in the Underground Railroad, also holds a significant place in Lowcountry history. After escaping slavery, Tubman made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people. She used the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known collectively as the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army.
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Tubman had a vision that the war would soon lead to the abolition of slavery. More immediately, enslaved people near Union positions began escaping in large numbers. In January 1862, Tubman volunteered to support the Union cause and began helping refugees in the camps, particularly in Port Royal, South Carolina. Tubman served as a nurse in Port Royal, preparing remedies from local plants and aiding soldiers suffering from dysentery and infectious diseases. By this time, Harriett’s involvement in the Underground Railroad had garnered attention. Her influential work and opinions granted her considerable respect and entry into esteemed circles within the military and government. Her remarkable significance, particularly as a Black woman in that era, was unparalleled.
The Combahee River Raid
On June 2, 1863, Tubman led the Combahee River Raid, freeing more than 700 enslaved people from plantations along the river in Beaufort. She was the first woman in U.S. history to command an armed military raid, demonstrating fearless leadership and strategic brilliance.
Clara Barton
In August 1893, a devastating hurricane hit South Carolina and Georgia, severely affecting the Gullah communities along the coastal islands. Over 2,000 people drowned, and tens of thousands were left homeless and destitute. Clara Barton of the American Red Cross. She was appalled at the state and federal government’s indifference to the threat of famine in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The state legislature adjourned without “making the slightest provision for the sufferers,” she said. The U.S. Congress specifically denied the request from the Red Cross for money to help. Garden seeds, tents and a couple of deep-draft boats came from federal departments. Everything else to help the stricken people came through private donations. Recovery was slow and challenging. Barton led relief efforts providing food and support for almost a year.
Recent notable women who made an impact in Bluffton’s history:
In September of 2022, Michelle Mayers was officially sworn in as the first Black female Lieutenant, the highest-ranking African American female officer in Department history.
Mayor Lisa Sulka served as the Mayor of Bluffton for 22 years. In October 2016, during Hurricane Matthew, Mayor Sulka led tireless efforts to keep the public informed of the path of the storm and subsequent damage.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Tubman, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clara_Barton, https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/harriet-tubman-and-the-combahee-raid/
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