Drayton Hall

Located on the bank of the Ashley River near Charleston, South Carolina, Drayton Hall has survived centuries of war, earthquakes and hurricanes to now stand as one of the most impressive surviving colonial houses in the United States. Preserved but not restored, Drayton House offers visitors an authentic look at an early Lowcountry plantation house which had many functions over the centuries ranging from a successful rice plantation to a military headquarters during the American Revolution. The architecture of this 1738 Georgian Palladian mansion is renowned, from the detailed woodwork to the stunning Great Hall ceiling. The house is devoid of furniture, which further showcases its intricate architectural details.

Seven Generations

The construction of Drayton Hall began in 1738 for John Drayton, and was completed by 1742. For over two hundred years seven generations of Draytons called the Drayton house home, including William Henry Drayton. A key figure in South Carolina’s history, as president of the South Carolina provincial congress he was integral in creating the state’s first constitution and pushing for the country’s independence from England. The house was passed down through the years to generations of Drayton heirs until 1974, when Charles and Frank Drayton sold the plantation to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The House and Grounds

This National Historic Landmark endured the American Revolution and the Civil War, as well as the 1886 earthquake and devastating hurricanes. Some of the impressive architectural features in this stately 18th century home include elegant moldings painstakingly carved by hand and finely detailed cast-plaster ceilings. The preservation of Drayton House is a complex ongoing project that has been underway since 1974, when the National Trust bought the plantation from the family. Since then several archaeological projects have been carried out at the grounds, and artifacts have been uncovered that reveal more details about the history of the Drayton family and the slaves who lived and worked on the plantation. About 100 feet from Drayton Hall’s main drive is the African-American cemetery, which marks the final resting place for many of the enslaved African-Americans who served at this plantation house over the centuries.

Visiting Drayton Hall

Drayton Hall is located at 3380 Ashley River Road. A daily shuttle service is available from downtown Charleston.

For more information on the guided house tours, admission fees and hours of operation call 843-769-2600 or e-mail at info@draytonhall.org

Click here to visit Drayton Hall official website