“The Goose Creek Men: The Founding Fathers of the Deep South”

Mike Heitzler

The founding fathers of the Deep South landed in the Carolina Colony in 1670. The seafarers on that first ship, as well as immigrants arriving in subsequent months and years, pushed inland from the briny tidal lands of the peninsula to claim swathes of arable properties spanning both sides of a “broad and stately creek” later named Goose Creek. These “Goose Creek Men” dominated Carolina for 50 years and implanted a strict caste system that influenced the Deep South development unto this day! Daniel Island’s namesake – Robert Daniell – was a member of this fascinating group. Join DIHS as we learn more about the Goose Creek Men, and Daniell’s connection to them, from local author/historian Michael Heitzler, who served as mayor of Goose Creek for 40 years!