Drayton
Hall, located on the Ashley River outside of Charleston, South Carolina
is “without question one of the finest of all surviving plantation
houses in America” as declared by the South Carolina Department of
Archives and History. The southern plantation house was built for John
Drayton in 1744, passed through 7 generations and opened to the public
in 1977 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Only
three plantations along the Ashley River survived the Union Army after
the civil war. Historians believe from reading letters that Drayton Hall
survived the post-war destruction because it was used as a hospital
most likely for small pox. There are also 2 other less likely theories
on how the house survived. The first story is about a slave who told
the Union troops the house was owned by a Northerner, which could have
been Drayton’s cousin. The second theory is Sherman was in love with one
of the Drayton women.
Drayton
Hall is different than other historic houses in that it is preserved as
compared to restored. As you wander the rooms with a guide, you see
the original plasterwork, a back circular stairwell and cracked, faded
paint, much of it last painted after the civil war and it wasn’t painted
again. You’ll even the see hole for the “toilet”, which fit a bed pan.
Still void of electricity, heat and plumbing, this is a true historic
house. Especially after touring restored plantations with luscious
gardens in the Charleston area, there is a stark beauty and appreciation
experiencing the historic house in its raw state.
If
you have an opportunity to visit Drayton Hall, make sure after touring
the house to wander the spacious grounds and view the house through the
reflection pond.
Sources: A Blog for Drayton Hall
Pictures by Christina at Lazy Bones Running
Christina
is a blogger from Phoenix, Arizona with a passion for running and
travel. In June 2011 she vacationed in South Carolina and fell in love
with Drayton Hall, especially the reflection pond. Visit Christina at Lazy Bones Running
Nice pictures Christina! Drayton is, indeed, a wonderful property.
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