Middleton Place - Charleston, SC

Middleton Plantation is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and is the home of Arthur Middleton, a Signer of the Declaration of Independence. Middleton Plantation is owned by the Middleton Family, but through their Foundation, which raises money to support this beautiful and historic site.

First, a little background information on the Plantation. Henry Middleton, the father of Arthur Middleton, married Mary Williams, who was the only heir to her father, John Williams. Her dowry included the house and land that became what we know today as Middleton Plantation. They would have 7 children in total, including Arthur Middleton.

Only known portrait of Arthur Middleton saved during the Civil War by the Middleton Slaves

Arthur Middleton was born in 1742 and inherited the plantation upon his father’s death in 1784. He would live there until he died in 1787 from an illness. During the time of his ownership, he signed the Declaration, was active in local and state politics, and had to restore the plantation after the British ravaged it during the Revolutionary War. His grandson would go on to sign the Articles of Secession, which was a major reason the plantation was damaged during the Civil War.

Subsequent generations saved a flanker house and attempted to save the main house and another flanker building, but unfortunately, an earthquake in the 1880’s destroyed those buildings.

Today, you can see the remains of the main house and the north Flanker, along with the south flanker which is intact. Additionally, the family has restored and maintained the beautiful gardens surrounding the building while also preserving its history for all to see.

My favorite thing about Middleton Place is that they balance the history of plantations through telling the story of its owners and their slaves. They do not seem to favor one over the other but instead weave the two together, which is far more realistic than other historic sites.

Stairs leading to the ruins of the main house

Some of my favorite things to do at Middleton Place were the carriage ride and seeing the barnyard animals. I enjoyed taking a carriage ride and visiting the barnyard animals with my daughter. It was also fascinating to learn about the plantation's history and admire its gorgeous flowers, especially its famous camellias.

There is an abundance of things to learn, do, and see at this magnificent historic site, and I encourage you to visit them in person and online at https://www.middletonplace.org/.