The petitioner is requesting approval of four historic markers in the White Bluff/Coffee Bluff area in order to recognize and preserve the cultural identity of African-Americans who settled in the area in the nineteenth century. The area was settled by freed slaves from St Catherines, Ossabaw, and Sapelo Islands. Each marker is located on public property at a historic point of access to the water. The interrelationship of early residents with the water was integral to their survival and allowed the community to thrive. The waterways not only provided sustenance for their families, but provided a source of income as shrimp, oysters, crabs and fish were sold at Savannah’s City Market. The waterways also provided transportation and lines of communications between different African-American communities. The markers are part of an initiative by the Crusader Club, established in 1954 to provide recreational services for youth and seniors in the community, and still active today.

The following standards from the Historic Site and Monument Commission Guidelines for Markers, Monuments and Public Art apply and have been met:

• Evaluation of Marker's theme
• Evaluation of Marker's site
• Site in relation to theme
• Design
• Text
• Funding
• Public Notice

Marker Text

Marker 1: This is one of four sites historically used by African-Americans in the community to access the water. The community thrived on maritime activities such as fishing, shrimping, oystering and crabbing. These resources were not only used to feed families, but were also walked or drawn by horse to Savannah’s City Market to be sold. This marker has been placed here to preserve the cultural identity of the White Bluff/Coffee Bluff community.

Marker 2: This is one of four sites historically used by African-Americans in the community to access the water. The White Bluff/Coffee Bluff area is in close proximity to St Catherines Island, Ossabaw Island, and Sapelo Island, in addition to the Vernon and Ogeechee Rivers. This proximity allowed for communication and travel between the different communities and the intermingling of slaves, which eventually led to the settlement of this area. This marker has been placed here to preserve the cultural identity of the White Bluff/Coffee Bluff community.

Marker 3: This is one of four sites historically used by African-Americans in the community to access the water. The White Bluff/Coffee Bluff area was originally settled in the nineteenth century by freed slaves from the nearby islands of St. Catherine, Sapelo and Ossabaw. Many families in the community today can still trace their roots back to these areas. This marker has been placed here to preserve the cultural identity of the White Bluff/Coffee Bluff community.

Marker 4: This is one of four sites historically used by African-Americans in the community to access the water. The White Bluff/Coffee Bluff area is unique in that, primarily because of its relative isolation, the community has been able to preserve many of its Gullah traditions and culture, including folklore, language, food, spirituality, and music. This marker has been placed here to preserve the cultural identity of the White Bluff/Coffee Bluff community.

Markers will be 2 feet X 3 feet composed of flat decorated aluminum with green and gold lettering. It will be erected by two pressure-treated wooden posts. The sign will stand approximately 7 feet from the ground.

The City of Savannah's surveyor has verified all four sites are located on public property.

The petition has been recommended for approval by the Historic Site and Monument Commission.

Approval