By Eric LaFontaine – Communications Director, Mount Pleasant, SC
Mount Pleasant is taking a meaningful step toward honoring one of its historic communities with the creation of the Scanlonville Praise House Parklet. This future cultural space will tell the story of Scanlonville, a post-Civil War Settlement Community founded by formerly enslaved individuals whose resilience and vision helped shape the fabric of the town.
The parklet will offer more than just a place to pause. This living tribute will invite reflection, learning, and connection. Through interpretive signage, purposeful landscaping, and design elements inspired by the historic Praise House, visitors will gain insight into the community’s heritage. The Lowcountry Praise Houses, modest yet powerful structures, served as spiritual and communal centers for enslaved African Americans, especially in the Lowcountry. Within Gullah/Geechee communities, Praise Houses were places where African customs blended with Christian faith, creating deeply rooted practices of worship, resilience, and cultural preservation.
The Scanlonville Praise House Parklet is a collaborative effort between the Town of Mount Pleasant and the East Cooper Civic Club. The vision was further shaped by students and faculty from North Carolina A&T State University and Clemson University, who contributed research and design concepts. A $150,000 grant from the National Heritage Corridor helps bring this project to life, highlighting its importance as both a regional landmark and a site of national cultural value.
The Scanlonville Praise House Parklet is expected to open by October 2026. Once complete, it will become a cultural anchor along the Mount Pleasant Way, a multi-use path that threads together neighborhood hubs throughout town. It will serve as a place where residents and visitors can honor the enduring legacy of those who came before.
“This parklet is about honoring the people who helped shape Mount Pleasant into the town it is today,” said Mayor Will Haynie. “We’re proud to work alongside local leaders and institutions to preserve that history and share it with future generations.”
With roots in faith, community, and perseverance, the Scanlonville Praise House Parklet will stand as a tribute not only to the past but also to the values that continue to guide Mount Pleasant’s future.
