For the first time in modern history, Drayton Hall and Magnolia Plantation have come together to encourage visitors to the Ashley River district to experience plantation life in the early colonies through their combined social, architectural, and horticultural history.
Now, guests can save $5.00 off of every adult admission when they purchase a combination ticket priced at only $24 ($29 if purchased separately). The ticket is good for two days and includes basic admission to both gates and extensive access to both properties; ticket holders also receive 10% off their purchases at both Gift Shops. Combination tickets can be purchased at either gate, online at www.plantationsofcharleston.com, and at the Charleston Visitors Center at 135 Meeting Street.
Through The Centuries: One Famous Family. Two Historic Places.
Over three hundred years ago when the Carolina colony was new, a rich tract of land along the banks of the Ashley River was transformed into Magnolia Plantation, becoming the first residence of the American branch of the Drayton family, whose roots go back in time to Norman aristocracy. The Drayton name appears throughout early American history. They included patriots, politicians, judges, and generals who helped to shape the course of the nation. One of the most accomplished and wealthiest of all the Draytons was Royal Judge John Drayton who was born at Magnolia in 1715. He would later purchase an adjoining tract of land where he would build a home whose design and architectural features were unlike any seen in the colonies: majestic Drayton Hall.
Drayton Hall. More Than A House.
Drayton Hall is America’s oldest plantation house open to the public. Built between 1738 and 1742 by Royal Judge John Drayton, this 18th-century architectural masterpiece remains in near-original condition. Rather than an artificial recreation of a single fixed point in time, Drayton Hall is an authentic preservation, a living timeline showing change and continuity over the centuries. As professional interpreters share stories and secrets of Drayton Hall, visitors will come to understand the house and landscape, its purpose and people, both black and white. Guests can also participate in “Connections: From Africa to America” covering the journey of enslaved people from the 17th century through to emancipation. There are also self-guided marsh and river walks; a visit to A Sacred Place, the African-American cemetery; and the opportunity to rent a new, self-directed “Voices of Drayton Hall” DVD. Produced by The History Channel, the DVD guides visitors across the historic landscape to reveal the layers of history embedded within; a user-friendly DVD player and corresponding site markers make it exceptionally easy to navigate. A visit to Drayton Hall would not be complete without stopping by the artisan-inspired Museum Shop with its signature collection of Lowcountry treasures, period toys, books, and more.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Something For All Ages.
Just next door to Drayton Hall, founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, is Magnolia Plantation. The oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1872, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is renowned for its hundreds of rare and ornate varieties of camellias. Visitors to Magnolia will cross the ornamental bridges to lush, scented pathways lined with seasonal azaleas and gardenias and bursting with the brilliant blues, purples, and pinks of hydrangeas. There are nearly 500 acres of gardens and grounds, including a maze, topiary and herb gardens, a Biblical garden, and the Tropical Barbados Greenhouse. This family-friendly site offers miles of canoe, bike, and walking trails through diverse habitats, the popular nature train and nature boat, the Audubon Swamp Garden, nature center and petting zoo. Of special interest are the recently restored 19th-century slave cabins and the Native-American ceremonial mound. At the end of their visit, guests will want to stop at the Gift Shop and Art Gallery then enjoy a bite at the Peacock Bar while live peacocks stroll nearby.
The program is funded in part by the Tourism Partnership Fund of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism.
Find out more about the ultimate plantation experience on this website.Â