Request@GroupToursUSA.com

Call Toll-Free: 888.796.8763

Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation

Recognized as the oldest plantation in the South, The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a vast property and house located in Ashley River. The history of the plantation dates back to 1676 when Thomas and Annes Drayton built their home with a formal garden on the site. Up to this date the plantation remains under the ownership of the descendants of the Drayton Family.Magnolia was originally a rice plantation where many enslaved African Americans were forced to work.

Its famed gardens were developed in the 1840s when Reverend John Grimke-Drayton inherited the property. According to legends, the Reverend started to work on the gardens to lure his bride to move to South Carolina from Philadelphia. 

Interesting Facts About the Magnolia Plantation
  • The main house of the plantation was burned down during the American Civil War, most likely by the Union forces.
  • Many of the enslaved African Americans who worked in the plantation are from Barbados and many rice-growing regions of the Caribbean.
  • At present, there are five cabins located in the property and four of them were built during the time of slavery and had housed the African Americans who used to work here.
  • The gardens has a petting zoo and nature center which features domesticated animals typical to Southern plantations, injured or orphaned native animals, and exotic birds, including Malayan jungle fowl, guinea hens, and peacocks.
Charleston Family Reunion Tour Destinations

Group Tours USA, LLC – 19989 Orrick Trail – Kirksville, MO 63501
888.796.8763 (Toll-Free) 202.800.3119 (Phone) 660.214.2188 (Fax)

©2025 Group Tours USA, LLC – All rights reserved.