A cotton plantation became the central location of activity after St. Helena Island was seized by Union soldiers in 1861. The family that owned the plantation fled, and over 250 slaves were found living on the there. The US government decided to create a plan to educate the freed slaves on the islands, and this act later birthed what came to be known as the Port Royal Experiment in March of 1862. William H. Noble along with Edward S. Philbrick served as agents that were sent to the island in order to carry out the experiment.

Native Americans who lived near this site believed that the water from the local spring had spiritual healing powers. They also believed that the land was sacred and inhabited by powerful spirits. Today, visitors still travel great distances to drink water from the artesian wells of the Healing Springs. Tales of the springs’ healing powers began during the American Revolution. For example, one legend suggests that four British soldiers who were badly wounded in a battle near Windy Hill Creek were rescued by Native Americans and taken to the springs. After drinking the water, the legend continues, the once mortally-wounded men were healed.