Have you ever walked through gardens older than the United States itself? Welcome to Middleton Place. Right before you lies a place steeped in history. It whispers tales of prominent families and enslaved people who shaped South Carolina’s past.
Middleton Place is more than just a plantation. It’s a National Historic Landmark. It boasts the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Imagine the vision of Henry Middleton in 1741. He envisioned gardens that would rival Versailles. He didn’t just want a plantation. He wanted a statement.
The main house was built around 1741. It was a three-story brick structure in the Jacobean style. Henry added two-story wings in 1755. The north wing housed a library and ballroom. The south wing served as a guest house. But the story doesn’t end there. In 1865 Union soldiers burned much of the house. Only the south wing survived. Then an earthquake struck in 1886. It toppled what remained.
But Middleton Place’s spirit endured. The gardens survived too. They’re a testament to resilience and beauty. They are filled with centuries-old camellias. These camellias were a gift to Henry Middleton’s son Arthur. They were the first of their kind in an American garden. These gardens are laid out with symmetry and balance. They incorporate the natural landscape. They even offer surprises. Hidden paths weave through carefully planned parterres.
The Middleton family’s history is intertwined with slavery. Thousands of enslaved Africans and African Americans toiled on these grounds. Their stories are just as important. They are vital to the complete understanding of Middleton Place. The Middleton Place Foundation now works to uncover and share their narratives. It gives voice to those who once had none.
Middleton Place isn’t just about grand houses and stunning gardens. It is about remembering the complete past. The past encompasses the complexities of American history. It includes the triumphs and tragedies of multiple generations. It includes both the enslaved and enslavers. It’s a place where the past comes alive. It lets us learn and reflect on what happened here.
Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Feel the weight of history. Look closely at the details. Middleton Place invites you to explore its rich legacy. It challenges you to reflect on our shared past. It leaves you with a deeper understanding of this significant place in American history.