There are about thirty-five sea islands off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. The white owners of the rice plantations needed labor to tend the crops. The owners also could not tolerate the heat and were vulnerable to insects. Because of this, they began importing slaves who were experienced rice farmers from West Africa, could withstand the hot weather, and were immune to insects and disease.

For a period of about two hundred years, this practice of importing slaves from Africa to America continued until it was outlawed by Congress in 1808.

Immigrants were crammed into boats with little room to move. Many did not survive the long journey. They had left friends and family to be treated like personal property in a new country. Life was extremely difficult for them.

When they arrived in the Sea Islands they were isolated and due to this and their need to communicate with each other and with their masters, they developed the Gullah Geechee language. This consisted of words from their various African origins mixed with English and is therefore known as Creole (more than one language combined).

In addition to language, the Gullahs formed a culture consisting of unique spiritual beliefs, storytelling, crafts, and music. Because the sea islands were originally not accessible, the culture and language flourished. This and the recipes, superstitions and style of dress were passed down from generation to generation.

At the time of the Civil War, there was great confusion. Many of the white owners left the Sea Islands to protect themselves and their children. Black slaves, however, stayed and not only gained their freedom, but were also able to secure land for themselves. Those who were willing to fight with the Union army against the Confederates obtained the freedom of all members of their family.

Since the end of the Civil War, much has changed for the Gullah culture. Roads and bridges have been built to connect the Sea Islands to the mainland. The economy has changed as have the crops. Many rice and cotton fields were replaced by root crops. Big companies have been buying up land near the water that was previously owned by people to build on. This has prevented people from being able to fish and do other activities that they enjoyed in the past.

Through it all, however, the Gullah culture has survived. I was lucky enough to have a Gullah tour when I was visiting Charleston, South Carolina. I heard about many of the customs and stories that author Muriel Miller Branch refers to in this book. I visited the slave market and saw the baskets of sweet grass being sold on the streets. I saw the famous iron gates that were designed and built by Philip Simmons. And I bought “The Water Brought Us” in Liberty Square.

The cultural memory and the efforts of each generation to share the uniqueness of the Gullah roads have allowed them to be preserved.

Reading this book was a reminder of the sacrifice so many made to develop North America and the importance of the traditions developed by our ancestors.

A good read.