When Charleston was first founded by English settlers in 1670, the territory was granted with an express command to develop it into a profit-making center. Fortunately, Charleston has a natural deep-water harbor perfect for establishing trade. Soon trade in a variety of goods, in particular rice and indigo, established Charleston's wealth and prosperity.
The invention of the cotton gin and improvements in the rice crop cultivation were an added boost to Charleston's economy. By 1750, Charleston was the fourth largest city in Colonial America and the wealthiest. Much of the wealth was due to the plantation system, which was the lifeblood of Charleston until after the Civil War.
Charleston was also the first port to receive slaves, on which the plantation system was largely dependent. The slave trade, a huge business in the area, earned Charleston the nickname "Ellis Island for African-Americans."
A plantation system during the 18th and 19th centuries functioned as a small, self-sufficient town. The main house was flanked by several outbuildings, such as the overseer's house, slave quarters, carriage houses and other dwellings.
The McLeod Plantation provides an excellent view of a typical plantation establishment. According to an 1870 census, for instance, the plantation had 74 slaves living in 26 dwellings. The slave quarters, measuring 20' x 12', were of wood-frame construction. The primary crops produced on the land were beef, some indigo, long-staple Sea Island cotton and rice.
The main house showcases the elegance of the Southern Colonial style, with its three-story, wood-frame structure. The interior has a double pile floor plan with a central stair hall and two interior chimneys. As with most plantation homes, the kitchen was in a separate structure to prevent destruction of the house in case of fire.
Touring a plantation today offers the opportunity to experience the life and times of the people of that era. Although that society collapsed with the abolition of slavery, its elegance has endured in much of the architecture and style in the city.
McLeod Plantation was purchased from the Historic Charleston Foundation in 2004 to create a permanent home for the new American College of the Building Arts (ACBA). Read more about how Charleston is preserving their legacy...
For a list of must-see plantation tours and contact info, please click here.
Luxury Land And Homes, Inc. specializes in the high-end luxury real estate market which encompasses Charleston's historic district, the area beaches, resorts, and custom home waterfront communities including Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Specialized services are available for corporate relocation and income producing vacation investments.
The Sylvan Gallery features nationally and internationally recognized painters and sculptors, including two highly acclaimed Charleston artists. The gallery focuses on 20th and 21st century representational art. Many of the artists are members of significant art organizations. Located at 171 King Street, the gallery is in the heart of the antiques and art district of historic Charleston.
The Spencer Art Gallery features a carefully chosen selection of Contemporary Fine art paintings, prints, and sculptures in a pleasant friendly setting. The award-winning artists work in a wide range of media, styles, and subject matter. Traditional, classical, abstract, and conceptual sculptures are shown in the sculpture garden. Visit the gallery on-line at www.spencerartgallery.com
When Charleston was first founded by English settlers in 1670, the territory was granted with an express command to develop it into a profit-making center. Fortunately, Charleston has a natural deep-water harbor perfect for establishing trade. Soon trade in a variety of goods, in particular rice and indigo, established Charleston's wealth and prosperity.
The main house showcases the elegance of the Southern Colonial style, with its three-story, wood-frame structure. The interior has a double pile floor plan with a central stair hall and two interior chimneys. As with most plantation homes, the kitchen was in a separate structure to prevent destruction of the house in case of fire.
Luxury Land And Homes, Inc. specializes in the high-end luxury real estate market which encompasses Charleston's historic district, the area beaches, resorts, and custom home waterfront communities including Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Specialized services are available for corporate relocation and income producing vacation investments.
The Sylvan Gallery features nationally and internationally recognized painters and sculptors, including two highly acclaimed Charleston artists. The gallery focuses on 20th and 21st century representational art. Many of the artists are members of significant art organizations. Located at 171 King Street, the gallery is in the heart of the antiques and art district of historic Charleston.
The Spencer Art Gallery features a carefully chosen selection of Contemporary Fine art paintings, prints, and sculptures in a pleasant friendly setting. The award-winning artists work in a wide range of media, styles, and subject matter. Traditional, classical, abstract, and conceptual sculptures are shown in the sculpture garden. Visit the gallery on-line at www.spencerartgallery.com
