For hundreds of generations, Native Americans along the South Atlantic coast lived on the bounties of the sea. Some of their seafoods were oysters, coquina, scallops and whelks. They left behind enormous piles of these shells known as middens all up and down the coastline.
West Africans first coming to this country made use of the shells to make a building cement consisting of lime (made from burning the shells), sand, shells and water. The material was called Tabby.
Slave cabins called Tabbies still exist on Ossabaw Island, off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. Used as homes for many years by slave workers who lived and thrived there, the Tabbies held up against the gale force winds and rains of many a tropical storm and hurricane.
In St. Marys, Georgia the Tabby Ruins of a Sugar Works Plantation show the steadfast endurance of this unique indigenous building material.
Sugar Works Tabby Building Ruins
Close Up Of Shells in the Tabby
The Bounty Of The Sea Recycled
Many Cultures Are Hidden In These Ruins
Sentinels of West African Heritage
Tabby Ruins, St. Marys, Georgia
Love, Annie
Explore the rich heritage of our country. You’ll always be in wonder.
Wonderful, wonderful information and stunning photography. Thank you dear teacher.
I so enjoy exploring, discovering, photographing and passing on all these wonderful bits that weave us all together down through the ages. Blessings for such a wonderful compliment.
wow. amazing! that is a lot of seafood eaten!! so nice to know how things get recycled into useful things. well done, Annie. <3
People who live here can still live off the bounty of the sea. An amazing place. Thank you!
and a fine example of the Divine providing for His creation…have a great day! <3
Thank you. You are so sweet!
Great pictures and great information. You are such a wealth of knowledge. What ever did I do without you. Lots of love to you Anne. Miss you,
All the things we never learned in school. Love to you, Sher!
Fabulous shots Annie and so fascinating to learn about the Tabby Houses. Love touring the country with you!
Altho’ it was one of my most dreaded subjects in school, history comes alive out here on the road. I am grateful to you for the compliments. Thank you, Patti!