Charleston, SC Tour Day #3

Our stop today takes us to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.  If you'll recall our chat on Monday about Drayton Hall, this was the original family plantation on the Ashley River from which John Drayton purchased some land to build Drayton Hall on.  Magnolia dates back to 1676 when Thomas and Ann Drayton built the first house and gardens on the property.  It was originally a rice plantation producing the "Carolina Gold" brand of rice.  After the Rev. John Grimke Drayton inherited the property in 1870, the plantation became known for its beautiful gardens.  The Rev. Drayton was among the first to utilize Camellia Japonica in an outdoor setting.  He's also said to have introduced the first azaleas to America.

During the Civil War, the plantation house was burned down.  It's thought that Union soldiers burned the house since they were making their way up the river burning other houses.  It's also possible that newly freed slaves burned it down.  That theory arose from a letter written by the Reverend's mother.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the south was in economic turmoil.  Reverend Drayton was forced to open the gardens as a tourist attraction.  In 1870, "Magnolia-on-the-Ashley" became the first man-made tourist attraction in the United States.

Along with the majestic gardens, the 70 acres of the property consist of several ponds with many kinds of birds, alligators, snakes, and turtles.  There's also a petting zoo on the grounds with goats, deer, rabbits, and peacocks.

This plantation remains under the control of the Drayton family after 15 generations.


Thanks for checking in...

Zach Brown, Daybreak Meteorologist