The History of James Island by Mattese Lecque is a powerful account of cultural endurance, conflict, and transformation. Located in South Carolina, James Island is more than just a scenic Lowcountry destination—it is a place steeped in centuries of history.
From early colonial settlement to its pivotal Civil War battles and the preservation of Gullah Geechee culture, James Island tells a story of resilience. Thanks to the dedicated work of local historian Mattese Lecque, this story continues to be shared with authenticity and reverence.
Colonial Beginnings of James Island
The History of James Island begins in 1670 when English settlers arrived, establishing one of the earliest European settlements in the region. Fertile land and proximity to waterways made the island ideal for plantations, which relied heavily on enslaved African labor.
These African communities preserved language, spiritual traditions, and skills, forming the roots of what would later be known as Gullah Geechee culture. The cultural and economic impact of this era remains central to understanding James Island’s heritage.
Revolutionary War Significance
The island’s strategic location also placed it in the crosshairs of the Revolutionary War. One of the final military engagements of the conflict occurred here in 1782.
Colonel Tadeusz Kościuszko, a Polish-American military engineer, was wounded during a skirmish near the island, which is considered one of the last battles of the war. The History of James Island by Mattese Lecque captures this period vividly, recognizing how these lesser-known events shaped the broader outcome of American independence.
James Island’s Role in the Civil War
The Battle of Secessionville
On June 16, 1862, Union forces attacked Confederate defenses at Fort Lamar, located in the Secessionville area of James Island. Though the Union troops outnumbered them, the Confederates repelled the attack in one of the war’s early Southern victories. The Battle of Secessionville is a crucial chapter in the History of James Island.
The 54th Massachusetts and Grimball’s Landing
A year later, on July 16, 1863, the Battle of Grimball’s Landing marked the first combat of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, one of the first African American regiments in the Union Army.
Their bravery on James Island helped pave the way for broader enlistment of Black soldiers. Mattese Lecque emphasizes the significance of this event in her preservation work.
Grimball’s Causeway and the War’s End
The Battle of Grimball’s Causeway in February 1865 was one of the war’s final engagements in the Charleston area. By this point, James Island had become a symbol of the crumbling Confederacy and the Union’s strategic victories in the South.
Fort Johnson: A Civil War Flashpoint
Located on James Island’s northeastern coast, Fort Johnson holds a significant place in American history. In April 1861, the first Confederate shell of the Civil War was launched from Fort Johnson toward Fort Sumter, officially beginning the war. Today, the site stands as a historic landmark that underscores the strategic importance of James Island in national history.
Gullah Geechee Culture and African American Heritage
One of the most defining aspects of the History of James Island by Mattese Lecque is its connection to Gullah Geechee culture. This unique African American heritage is rooted in the descendants of enslaved West Africans who lived in coastal regions from North Carolina to Florida. On James Island, their influence is especially visible in language, cuisine, spiritual practices, and community organization.
A prominent symbol of this heritage is the Seashore Farmers’ Lodge No. 767, a historic African American mutual aid society established in the 1900s. This lodge reflects the resilience and unity of the freedmen communities that emerged after the Civil War.
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Today, McLeod Plantation serves as an interpretive center for the island’s history, particularly that of slavery and post-emancipation life. Enslaved people worked this plantation for generations, and the preserved slave cabins offer a somber reminder of their enduring legacy.
The History of James Island by Mattese Lecque highlights McLeod Plantation as an essential site for understanding both Black history and Southern culture.
Town Incorporation and Local Autonomy
The modern political journey of James Island also reflects its independent spirit. After years of legal disputes with the City of Charleston, James Island successfully incorporated as a town in 2012.
This autonomy allows residents to preserve the island’s historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks with greater local control—something strongly supported by advocates like Mattese Lecque.
Honoring Local Historians: Mattese Lecque’s Contribution
One of the most passionate voices preserving and sharing the history of James Island is local historian and author Mattese Lecque. Through her detailed research and storytelling, she has highlighted the island’s deep African American roots, the legacy of the Gullah Geechee people, and the often-overlooked contributions of Black soldiers and families during and after the Civil War.
Her work serves not only as a historical record but also as a bridge connecting current generations to the island’s rich and complex past. Thanks to her efforts, the story of James Island continues to be told with accuracy, dignity, and cultural reverence.
Conclusion: Keeping the Legacy Alive
The History of James Island by Mattese Lecque is a living chronicle of strength, heritage, and transformation. From its colonial roots and pivotal Civil War battles to the endurance of Gullah Geechee culture and modern efforts at cultural preservation, James Island offers a window into America’s multifaceted past.
By dedicating her life to uncovering and celebrating the island’s legacy, Mattese Lecque has become an essential figure in safeguarding its history.
Her work ensures that the stories of James Island—from the plantations to the battlefields, and from the lodges to the people—will continue to educate and inspire for generations to come.
