During the antebellum era, South Carolina boasted more than 2,000 working plantations, primarily concentrated in the Lowcountry region, with over 300 plantations in Charleston SC alone. Many of the plantations near Charleston were strategically positioned along the Ashley River, leveraging its utility as a transportation route.
In the initial phases, Charleston plantations focused on cultivating indigo and rice, well-suited to the coastal marshy conditions. The region gained prominence for its rice production, and the adoption of tidal irrigation transformed the landscape, rendering plantation endeavors significantly more lucrative. Alongside indigo and rice, plantations also cultivated Indian Corn, Sea Island Cotton, and Sweet Potatoes.
Charleston ascended to remarkable wealth and influence in the United States, primarily driven by the substantial profits generated through the plantation system. However, the Civil War dealt a swift blow to this economic structure.
Post-war, several plantations in Charleston endeavored to revive their fortunes by cultivating Sea Island cotton, but only a handful achieved success. The plantation system faced its demise in Charleston by the early 1900s, marked by challenges such as a boweavel infestation, hurricanes, and diminished demand for plantation crops.
Today, a mere six plantation homes are accessible to the public. Let's explore a few of them:
Situated across the Cooper River, Boone Hall was established as a cotton plantation in the 1700s. In the 1930’s it lost its main house to fire. However, nine original slave cabins endure on the property. The iconic mile-long avenue of oaks served as inspiration for Twelve Oaks in the classic movie "Gone With the Wind", and the plantation house was featured in "The Notebook", You can also see a live history presentation on the history of the Gullah culture. Boone Hall retains a unique historical charm, preserving remnants of its antebellum past.
A very “Kid-friendly” plantation. Magnolia was established in the 1840s by Rev. John Drayton Grimke, Magnolia gardens witnessed the burning of its main house during the Civil War. The current house, relocated in the late 1800s, is part of a property that boasts being the oldest public garden in America, welcoming visitors since 1872. Known for its remarkable collection of camellias, Magnolia Plantation preserves a rich historical legacy.
This stands as the sole surviving antebellum plantation house in the Charleston region, erected in 1739 by John Drayton. Renowned for its exemplary Georgian Palladian architecture, the property remained within the Drayton family until 1974, when it was handed over to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Unique in its untouched state, the house lacks plumbing and electricity. The welcome center showcases some of the Drayton family's finest furniture, providing insight into the lives of both the landed gentry and enslaved individuals who resided here for over two centuries.
Founded in 1741 by Henry Middleton, President of the 1st Continental Congress, Middleton Place is a captivating rice plantation. Envisioning the first landscaped gardens in America, Middleton designed the 60-acre formal gardens in the classic style of Versailles. The gardens evolved with time, featuring additions like camellias, tea olives, and crepe myrtles. Described as "the most important and interesting garden in America," Middleton Place includes a house museum, formal gardens, and stable yards where skilled artisans once worked and cared for animals.
Take a moment to explore the Local Hangouts section of this site. It features a curated list of our favorite places in town. The Planning Tips section will help you plan your trip, while the Reading list section and the History Blog will help you learn more about history.
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