Attraction Guide: Middleton Place, Charleston, United States

Middleton Place Guide

Experience Plantation Life at Middleton Place Guide

Middleton Place is a meticulously preserved plantation that offers a captivating glimpse into 18th and 19th-century life in the South. This National Historic Landmark showcases the beauty of its formal gardens, the ingenuity of its working plantation, and the stories of the Middleton family and the enslaved Africans who lived and worked there. A visit to Middleton Place is an immersive experience that provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of plantation society. Established in the 1730s by Henry Middleton, Middleton Place was home to generations of the Middleton family, prominent figures in South Carolina's history. Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born here. The plantation thrived on rice cultivation, relying heavily on the labor of enslaved Africans. During the Civil War, Middleton Place suffered significant damage, but the gardens were lovingly restored in the early 20th century. Today, the plantation serves as a living history museum, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the stories of all who lived and worked there. Visitors can explore the meticulously maintained gardens, considered America's oldest landscaped gardens, and witness demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills, such as blacksmithing, carpentry, and pottery. The Eliza's House exhibit provides a powerful and moving portrayal of the lives of enslaved Africans at Middleton Place. The plantation also offers guided tours of the Middleton Place House Museum, showcasing period furnishings and artifacts. For a taste of Lowcountry cuisine, the Middleton Place Restaurant serves dishes inspired by traditional plantation fare, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.