Passed down from generation to generation since the 1700s, the sweetgrass basket craft is unique to the Lowcountry and represents one of the oldest West African art forms in America.
The art of weaving sweetgrass baskets has been passed down from generation to generation, from mother to daughter, through the Gullah community, who descended from West African slaves. When West African slaves were brought to South Carolina, they brought with them the tradition of weaving baskets from grass. Originally designed as a tool for rice production, the sweetgrass basket has evolved into a decorative art. Today, sweetgrass basket weaving remains an integral part of the cultural fabric of Mount Pleasant.
What Is Sweetgrass?
Sweetgrass is a native coastal plant prized for its strength and flexibility, qualities that make it ideal for traditional basket weaving. In the Lowcountry, basket makers carefully harvest sweetgrass by hand, selecting mature blades and cutting them in a way that allows the plant to continue growing. This respectful, seasonal approach reflects generations of environmental knowledge, ensuring the grass remains sustainable for future weavers. Once gathered, the sweetgrass is dried and bundled before being woven alongside palmetto fronds and bulrush, transforming natural materials into intricate baskets that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Where To Find Sweetgrass Baskets In Mount Pleasant
One of the most well-known places is along the Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway, where basket makers have sold their handwoven creations for generations from roadside stands, continuing a tradition that’s become a defining part of the town’s cultural landscape. You can also find basket makers at the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion, a dedicated space at Memorial Waterfront Park that hosts demonstrations, storytelling, and opportunities to meet artisans in a scenic waterfront setting. Throughout the year, sweetgrass baskets are also featured at special events like the annual Sweetgrass Festival, where visitors can browse baskets, watch live weaving, and learn more about the history and cultural significance of this iconic Lowcountry art form.
Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway
Mount Pleasant sits within the federally recognized Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, which stretches along the southeastern coast from North Carolina to Florida and preserves the history, language, and traditions of Gullah Geechee people. One of the most visible expressions of that heritage can be found along Sweetgrass Basket Makers Highway on Highway 17, where artisans have sold handwoven baskets for generations.
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion
Located at Memorial Waterfront Park, the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion is one of the best places to experience sweetgrass basket weaving up close in Mount Pleasant. Designed as a welcoming, open-air gathering space, the pavilion hosts basket makers who demonstrate their craft, share stories, and connect with visitors in a relaxed waterfront setting overlooking the Cooper River. It’s a place to slow down, ask questions, and gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and cultural meaning behind each basket.
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival
Each year, Mount Pleasant celebrates its rich Gullah Geechee heritage during the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival, a lively, family-friendly event dedicated to the art of sweetgrass basket weaving. Held at Memorial Waterfront Park, the festival brings together local basket makers, artists, musicians, and food vendors for a day filled with live weaving demonstrations, storytelling, cultural performances, and hands-on experiences. Visitors can meet the artisans behind this centuries-old tradition, shop for authentic handwoven baskets, and learn how sweetgrass continues to shape the Lowcountry’s cultural identity.
Sweetgrass in Motion: The Sweetgrass Half Marathon
Each spring, Mount Pleasant quite literally runs with tradition during the Sweetgrass Half Marathon. Named in honor of the Lowcountry’s iconic basket-making material, the race winds through scenic neighborhoods, marsh views, and historic areas that reflect the community’s deep cultural roots. More than just a race, the Sweetgrass Half Marathon celebrates movement, resilience, and connection, values that mirror the centuries-old craft it’s named for.
The Sweetgrass Bowl
Sweetgrass tradition also takes center stage in local sports through The Sweetgrass Bowl, an annual high school football matchup that honors Mount Pleasant’s cultural heritage. The game’s namesake trophy, created with the support of the Town of Mount Pleasant, is a football-shaped award made from sweetgrass, symbolizing craftsmanship, pride, and community legacy.
Sweetgrass basket weaving is more than a craft in Mount Pleasant, it’s a living tradition woven into the town’s landscape, celebrations, and community life. From roadside stands along Highway 17 and hands-on demonstrations at Memorial Waterfront Park to annual events that bring the tradition to life, sweetgrass continues to connect generations of makers and visitors alike. For more information about the sweetgrass tradition in Mount Pleasant, please check out the Sweetgrass Basket Makers Brochure.
