Magnolia Plantation is one of the most historic sites in the area around Charleston. The same family, the Draytons, has owned it since 1679. The original owners were Thomas Drayton and his wife Ann who came from Barbados to grow rice in the fertile land along the Ashley River. A visit to historic Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, SC is recommended when visiting the area.
During the Revolutionary War, the land was occupied by both the British and the American soldiers. The Draytons were staunch supporters of the American Revolution and were active in both the army and in the government of the new nation.
The plantation house on this property has a history of destruction. The original was lost to a devastating fire in 1812 and the second was lost to General Sherman in 1865. The Rev. John Drayton, who was the owner of the property at that time, decided to move a hunting lodge that he owned near Summerville on a barge down the Ashley River to create the base for the house that you see today on the site. It was quite an accomplishment in that day and age.
Today this is an outstanding destination. Beyond the house, there are over 500 acres of amazing gardens. The gardens have been a pet project of the family for over 100 years. The parking lot is away from the house. You will pass by the slave cabins on your way. You can watch an orientation film before you decide what you want to spend your time visiting.
The house can be visited on a guided tour. You will hear about the history of the family, the plantation and about the objects that have survived and also have been collected. It is an interesting tour and the guides are knowledgeable. It lasts about a half hour depending on whether there are questions asked. The gift shop is also in the house so you may want to save this for last.
The Gardens are a good place to start touring. They can take as long as your interest last. They are so spectacular that people have been visiting them here since they opened in the 1870s. Everyone has their favorite. It might be the Formal English Garden, the Biblical Garden or the Tropical Garden.
The Black Swamp is an amazing adventure for the whole family. You will be able to see a wide variety of bird species, as well as the walk among the gum trees on boardwalks and bridges. The ticket for the Audubon Garden is separate from the rest of the plantation and may be purchased separately.
When you think you are too tired to go on and do anything else, take the boat tour or the nature train. You can sit back, relax, enjoy and learn a lot more about the eco-system.
A visit to historic Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, SC is a visit back to a time when life moved a little slower. It is also a very good look at what life was like both for the planter class and the people that made that way of life possible, the slaves. It can be very eye-opening.
If you get hungry during your visit, the Peacock Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
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