The present intersection of Yorktown Boulevard with Belleau Wood Road used to be the center of life for a Freedmen community on Parris Island. On 7 November 1861, life on Parris Island changed when a federal expeditionary force seized Port Royal Sound. Parris Island’s property owners fled leaving behind their homes and slaves. The federal government enlisted the aid of Freedmen Associations who operated schools, provided health care and oversaw the employment of the former slaves, now termed Freedmen, in the growing of cotton that was sold to support the northern war effort. During the war much of the land on Parris Island was foreclosed upon for failure to pay taxes. At tax sales the Freedmen purchased land on Parris Island and developed their own rural community that included churches and a school. The community thrived until World War I, when the Marine Corps purchased the entire island for their training operations. In August 1918, the government condemned all civilian property and eventually bought out all of the landowners for $252,000.
Turn left on Belleau Wood Road. About 1 1/2 miles from the intersection, you can see the Page Field runways from your vehicle. As you enter the golf course, look for alligators in the ponds to your left and right. You will pass the golf course clubhouse where you can find restrooms and a snack bar. Turn left when you get to the golf course and follow the oak-lined road to the monument.
