Middleton Place

Middleton Place, located along the Ashley River near Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic plantation that boasts America's oldest landscaped gardens. Established in 1741, this National Historic Landmark offers a captivating glimpse into the colonial and antebellum history of the South. The estate was the home of the influential Middleton family, including Henry Middleton, a president of the First Continental Congress, and his son, Arthur Middleton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The highlight of Middleton Place is its 65-acre landscaped garden, which follows the principles of classical European design, emphasizing symmetry, balance, and order. The gardens are meticulously maintained and feature terraces, parterres, and reflection pools, all arranged to create a harmonious and visually stunning landscape. Seasonal blooms ensure that the gardens are vibrant year-round, with azaleas, camellias, and magnolias providing spectacular displays. The Middleton Oak, one of the oldest and largest live oak trees in the South, adds to the garden's historic and natural appeal.

In addition to the gardens, Middleton Place includes several historic structures and exhibits that offer insights into plantation life. The House Museum, originally part of the family’s residence, contains original furnishings, family portraits, and artifacts that narrate the history of the Middleton family and the estate. The stableyards provide a living history experience, showcasing traditional crafts and farming techniques, and housing heritage breeds of livestock. The plantation also includes preserved slave quarters, which are part of the "Beyond the Fields" exhibit, focusing on the lives and contributions of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation.

Middleton Place is open year-round and hosts various educational programs, guided tours, and special events that enhance the visitor experience. Whether interested in horticulture, history, or cultural heritage, visitors will find Middleton Place a rich and engaging destination that beautifully encapsulates the grandeur and complexity of the American South.