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South Carolina
401

South Carolina State Parks

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USA Parks
South Carolina
Historic Charleston Region
Hampton Plantation State Park
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Hampton Plantation State Park Historic fireplace © Paul Krieger
The original fireplace chimney to one of the plantation out buildings remains intact with the help a an added concrete buttress.
Hampton Plantation State Park Creek © Paul Krieger
One of the local creeks used to flood the rice fields
Hampton Plantation State Park View from front porch © Paul Krieger
The old oak tree at the front of the house was saved by George Washington when visiting the plantation in 1791
Hampton Plantation State Park Back of Main residence with Kitchen to right © Paul Krieger
View of the rear of the Hampton Plantation Main House with Kitchen out-building to the right.
Hampton Plantation State Park Plantation Main House © Paul Krieger
Front view of the Hampton Plantation main residence
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HAMPTON PLANTATION STATE PARK
HAMPTON PLANTATION STATE PARK
Hampton Plantation is a quiet and serene state historic site, but in the 18th and 19th centuries it was a working rice plantation bustling with activity. Interpretive programming at this site focuses on the Lowcountry rice culture and plantation system that shaped the lives of Hampton?s residents.

Park interpreters conduct regular tours of the plantation?s Georgian-styled mansion (ca. 1750), an architectural monument to the skills of enslaved African laborers and the social prominence of the Horry, Pinckney, and Rutledge families.

Outside the mansion, a historic kitchen building, enormous live oaks, camellia gardens and archeological sites all record the story of the rise and decline of the Lowcountry rice culture.

Visitors to Hampton can explore the mansion, wander the grounds or simply stand on the banks of Wambaw Creek and view the remains of centuries-old rice fields, which once stretched almost as far as the eye could reach.

Hampton is also an ideal place to discover the surrounding Santee Delta?s natural beauty, inspiration of South Carolina?s Poet Laureate, Archibald Rutledge.

Though no Revolutionary War battles were fought at Hampton, a large number of women and children sought refuge at relatively isolated Hampton. These included members of important South Carolina families such as the Pinckneys, Rutledges, Draytons, Middletons, Hugers and Izards. For this reason Hampton is a good example of life on the Patriot ?homefront.?

Hampton Plantation is on the National Register of Historic Places as well as a National Historic Landmark.
Passes
South Carolina offers a variety of Park Passports. You can read more about the South Carolina Park Passports and order online by visiting the SOUTH CAROLINA PARK PASSPORTS web page.


Location
Hampton Plantation State Park is located near Georgetown, Goose Creek

Picnicking
Hampton Plantation State Park offers picnic tables and grills for visitors. Enjoy a meal surrounded by nature's beauty.
Nature Programs
2005-09-03 First Saturday at Hampton: The Fall Harvest and Daily Slave Life on a Rice Plantation Ever wondered about what happened after the rice was harvested? Come and learn about the fall and winter months on a rice plantation and how the daily life of a plantation slave changed from summer to fall. Bring bug repellent and water.

2005-09-09 Walking Tour of Hampton Plantation Are you interested in a healthy morning interpretive program that focuses on rice plantations? If so, then this program ought to pique your interests. A walking tour of the gardens and a visit to an old inland rice field will focus on the history of Hampton Plantation, its owners, and the slaves that called Hampton home. Join us and see once prosperous rice fields as well as beautiful gardens and grounds that help to tell the history of the plantation past. Bring water, snack, insect repellent, and good walking shoes.

2005-09-24 SEW YOUR OWN SWEETGRASS BASKET Sweetgrass basket sewing was an important tradition among African-Americans on Lowcountry plantations. Sweetgrass fanner baskets were used during harvest season to separate rice from chaff. Today, the art of sweetgrass basket sewing still thrives along the coast. Renowned sweetgrass basket artist Barbara McCormick of McClellanville will lead you through the process of this Lowcountry tradition. Bring scissors, insect repellent, a snack, and drinking water.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with diverse species like warblers, woodpeckers and waterfowl. Bird checklists are available for enthusiasts to track their sightings. The site is also part of the Francis Marion National Forest's Important Bird Area program due to its significant habitats for birds.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 16 by Bill Thomason
park review stars; one to five Wonderful experience after reading many of the Rutledge books. Be sure to wear lots of mosquito repellant.
September 28 An Unexpected Joy by nanny Z.
park review stars; one to five We were traveling home to Charleston and on a whim went to Hampton Plantation. What a jewel we found and so peaceful.We will return as soon as possible.
June 8 This Home and Grounds are Lovely by peachesmom
park review stars; one to five The park is lovely. How wonderful to keep all that Mr. Rutledge spent his life restoring alive for other people to share. We will try to be considerate guests!
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Directions
General Directions: 16 miles southwest of Georgetown off US 17.

Driving Directions: From Georgetown: Travel S. on Hwy 17 for approximately 16 mi. After crossing the two Santee River bridges, turn rt. at the first intersection onto Rutledge Rd. Go three miles and the park entrance will be on the rt. From Charleston: Travel N on Hwy 17 for approximately 35 miles. Turn left onto Rutledge Rd, go three mi. and the park entrance will be on the rt.

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South Carolina
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South Carolina State Parks

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