Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is one of the oldest working plantations in the United States. The plantation’s stunningly picturesque grounds have provided the setting to many productions including the Civil War epic miniseries North and South and feature films The Queen and The Notebook.

Bought by the McRae family in 1955, the grounds have been open to the public since 1956. After three centuries, the plantation which once focused mainly on growing cotton and pecans is still producing and selling a variety of crops including peaches, pumpkins and strawberries.

The House and Slave Cabins

The original Boone family wooden house dating back to the 1681 was replaced in the early 20th century, and a tour of this home led by a guide in period dress provides a history of the property and the traditions of plantation life in the Carolina Lowcountry during the 18th and 19th centuries. The tram tour around the grounds showcases the wide variety of crops still grown on the plantation.

Named as one of South Carolina’s African American Historic Places, Boone Hall Plantation features nine original brick slave cabins which date back to 1790. The cabins have been carefully preserved and offer visitors a glimpse into plantation life for slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. Located beside the main house, each cabin features an exhibit on how the slaves lived and worked. This area of the grounds also features a smoke house and a cotton gin house.

The Avenue of Oaks

Stretching three-quarters of a mile long, the Avenue of Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is a must-see destination. This grand entrance leading up to the front gates of the house was created in 1743, when the son of Major John Boone planted live oak trees in even rows. After two centuries the branches of the towering trees, about 90 in total, have grown to create a dramatic natural corridor with their overhanging Spanish moss.

Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens also features a seasonal butterfly pavilion with a colourful variety of species and scenic gardens dotted with camellias and antique roses over 100 years old.

Visiting Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens

Boone Hall is located at 1245 Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, approximately eight miles from downtown Charleston. For more information on touring the plantation call 843-884-4371.

Click here to visit Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens official website