Buddy Sullivan Books

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of Georgia's unique historical narrative, highlighting its distinct culture shaped by both American and Southern influences. It delves into the state's political, economic, and social evolution, enriched by archival and photographic resources from the Georgia Historical Society. Through engaging storytelling, it presents the lives of influential figures and everyday citizens, providing insights into the complex identity of Georgians and their sometimes tragic past.

Set in McIntosh County, Georgia, from 1870 to 1920, the narrative explores the vibrant community of Darien, a small town that thrived despite its modest population. Renowned for its significant role in the timber industry, Darien became the foremost exporter of yellow pitch pine, highlighting the economic vitality and industrious spirit of the region during this period. The book delves into the social and economic dynamics that shaped this energetic coastal community.

Explore the enchanting history of Sapelo Island, Florida, through a captivating collection of vintage images. This book reveals the island's unique charm and rich cultural heritage, showcasing its landscapes and the stories of its past. Each photograph serves as a window into the island's vibrant community and traditions, offering readers a nostalgic glimpse into a place where history and beauty intertwine.

The "ecology as history" in this book resonates with a recurrent theme, one that tells the story of a community which involves the use of its land, its economy and the dynamics of its labor from the perspective of the local environment. The twelve "case studies" in the book examine the correlation between the ecosystem and environment of the Georgia low country in association with its economics and culture. In this regard, one area is scrutinized as a microcosm of the south Atlantic coast, McIntosh County, Georgia. This is a story of land use in association with the intangibles of place and permanence?and by extension, perseverance?as they relate to the peoples of McIntosh County, black and white. It is a story that is applicable to all of coastal Georgia and lower South Carolina. It is argued here that the human occupants of the region simultaneously adapted to the ecological circumstances of their locale while utilizing local environmental conditions as an increasingly effective, and resourceful, means of furthering their economic and cultural well-being.

This monograph comprising a survey of the history of Harris Neck, interwoven with that of the northeastern and central sections of McIntosh County, Georgia, is largely extrapolated from my research from 2016 to 2019 contained in two books―a revised and expanded edition of the county history, Early Days on the Georgia Tidewater, and a new volume, Environmental Influences on Life & Labor in McIntosh County, Georgia. The thematic intent of this study rests upon land use patterns and land ownership during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in the section under discussion. While Harris Neck is the area most extensively covered, there is ample material relating to tracts, settlements and land use along the South Newport and Sapelo rivers, and the central sections of McIntosh County, including the settlements of Eulonia, Fairhope and Pine Harbor.

Exploring the interplay between environment and community, this study delves into Sapelo Island's history from 1912 to 2015. It presents four intertwined narratives: Howard E. Coffin's ownership, Richard J. Reynolds, Jr.'s stewardship, scientific advancements in salt marsh ecology, and the cultural legacy of the island's residents, many descendants of enslaved laborers. Through personal perspectives, the book highlights themes of permanence and resilience within the unique context of McIntosh County, Georgia.

The history of Blackbeard Island, named after the notorious pirate Edward Teach, unfolds through its diverse roles over two centuries, from a U.S. Navy timber reserve to a national wildlife refuge. Coastal Georgia historian Buddy Sullivan draws on three decades of research, utilizing archival resources and personal accounts to provide a comprehensive narrative of the island's unique and often isolated past. This exploration reveals the island's significance in American maritime history and its evolving purpose in federal management.

Focusing on archaeological research, this monograph consolidates findings from the author's previous works on Sapelo Island and McIntosh County, Georgia. It includes new insights into fieldwork at Fort King George and Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge, emphasizing the pioneering contributions of Clarence Bloomfield Moore. While not definitive, it serves as an accessible overview of archaeological and historical investigations from the late 19th century to the early 21st century, particularly concerning pre-Columbian and Spanish sites in the region.

Set on Sapelo Island, Georgia, in the aftermath of the Civil War, the narrative unfolds through the daily journal of Archibald C. McKinley, a resident who offers a personal glimpse into the island's life over fifty years. The account captures the complexities of post-war society, exploring themes of resilience, community, and cultural heritage, while providing a unique historical perspective on the island's evolution during this transformative period.

Exploring the interplay between local ecological and environmental factors, this book delves into how these elements shape the daily lives, labor dynamics, and economic activities of a small South Atlantic coastal community. It highlights the unique challenges and adaptations the community faces, providing insight into the relationship between the environment and social structures. Through detailed analysis, the narrative reveals the profound impact of ecological conditions on the community's sustainability and resilience.