Shady Grove Camp Ground

Overview

Shady Grove is the largest of the four camp grounds in Dorchester County, S.C. It was founded by formerly enslaved people in 1870 but grew out of antebellum camp meetings, where all people would travel great distances to attend religious gatherings held at campgrounds and led by "circuit" preachers. For African-Americans, this was one of the few places where they could meet and enjoy some sense of freedom.