Frogmore, South Carolina facts for kids

Frogmore is a small, rural community located on St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. It's not a city with its own government, but a special area known for its rich history and culture. Frogmore is a great place to learn about important moments in American history, especially related to education and civil rights. It's also famous for a delicious local dish!

Discover Frogmore: A Historic Community

Where is Frogmore Located?

Frogmore is found on beautiful St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It sits along U.S. Route 21, a main road in the area. You can find Frogmore about halfway between the city of Beaufort and Hunting Island State Park, a popular beach destination. Even though it's mostly a quiet, country area, Frogmore is considered the main business spot on St. Helena Island.

The Story of Penn Center

One of the most important places in Frogmore is the Penn School Historic District, also known as Penn Center. This site is so important that it's been named a National Historic Landmark.

Penn Center has a very special history. It was founded a long time ago by two amazing women, Laura Towne and Ellen Murray. They started the Penn School to provide education to formerly enslaved people right after the American Civil War. It was one of the first schools of its kind in the South.

Over the years, Penn Center became a vital place for learning and community. Later, it played a huge role in the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a famous civil rights leader, spent time at Penn Center. He studied and gave talks there during the early parts of his work to fight for equal rights for all people.

Today, Penn Center has a museum that tells its incredible story. People from all over the world visit to learn about its history and the culture of this coastal part of the Southeastern United States.

Frogmore's Famous Food

Did you know that Frogmore is also famous for a delicious meal? The popular Lowcountry dish called Frogmore Stew actually got its start right here in the Frogmore community! It's a tasty mix of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes, often cooked together in one big pot.

Other Historic Places in Frogmore

Besides Penn Center, many other historic places in the Frogmore area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These sites help tell the story of the community's past. Some of these include old plantations, houses, and other buildings that show how people lived and worked long ago. For example, the Frogmore Plantation Complex itself is a historic site. Other notable places include the Emanuel Alston House, Dr. York Bailey House, and the St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins. These places help us understand the rich history of St. Helena Island.