Company's Description:

Middleton Place is one of South Carolina’s most enduring icons. From 1741 to 1865, this majestic plantation on the banks of the Ashley River was the family seat of four successive generations of the distinguished Middleton family. Even then, the graciously landscaped gardens welcomed visitors from all over the world. Today, Middleton Place invites visitors to explore the 65 acres of sweeping vistas, intimate garden rooms and ornamental ponds that made Middleton Place the most unique and grand garden of its time.

Tours of the House Museum introduce visitors to the distinguished and influential Middleton family who made Middleton Place their home for over two centuries. Henry Middleton (1717-1784) was a President of the First Continental Congress. Arthur Middleton (1742-1787) signed the Declaration of Independence. A second Henry Middleton (1770-1846) served as Governor of South Carolina and as Minister to Russia, and Williams Middleton (1809-1883) signed the Ordinance of Secession.

The House contains one of the finest collections of family-owned artifacts. Expect to see Middleton family furniture, paintings, books and documents dating from the 1740s through the 1880s. In the Plantation Stableyards, costumed interpreters tell the story of life on a self-sustained 18th and 19th century plantation. Here, visitors can see the blacksmith, potter, carpenter and weaver at work in their shops, and learn about the sheep, horses, water buffalo, goats and other animals that live and work at Middleton Place. African-American history is interpreted in a permanent Slavery exhibit in Eliza’s House, and through daily African-American Focus Tours.

Middleton Place is open daily year around. Admission fees support the preservation work of Middleton Place Foundation, a non-profit educational trust.

FEATURES:

Gardens and Stableyards: 65 acres of formal landscaped gardens where guests can explore the the working Plantation Stableyards where costumed interpreters demonstrate the skills once performed by slaves. As part of the general admission, visitors can participate in an African American Focus Tour and Garden Overview Tour.

House Museum: Guided tour highlights the family’s collections of paintings, furniture and silver, and describes the vital role of the Middleton family in American history.

Carriage Tour: Enjoy a 45-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through a bamboo forest and woodlands to an abandoned rice field where Carolina Gold once flourished. The Carriage Tour begins at the Visitor Center and ends at the House Museum.

Spend the Day Package: Spend the day exploring the many facets of Middleton Place including America’s oldest landscaped Gardens, working Plantation Stableyards, and House Museum. Learn about history and nature on a Carriage Tour, rice cultivation with an African American Focus Tour, and garden design and horticulture on a Garden Overview Tour.

There is also a full service restaurant, museum shop, and Garden Market & Nursery on site.

Hours:
Open year around, daily at 9:00 a.m. Closed Christmas Day.

Location: 4300 Ashley River Road

Phone: (843) 556-6020

Website