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Built in 1738, Drayton Hall – in Charleston’s Ashley River Historic District - is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America open to the public. A witness to three centuries of American history; Drayton Hall is the only public plantation home in Charleston to survive both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, catastrophic hurricanes and earthquakes, and many social and economic changes. The house is preserved in nearly original condition. Drayton Hall allows visitors to experience the original architectural details, interpretive presentations, and new museum galleries showcasing original artifacts and an exhibit on Drayton Hall after the Civil War. The entire site—including the historic grounds with its live oaks, broad vistas, vanished structures, and rare period features—serves as a testimony to America’s heritage. Admission includes daily tours, access to Drayton Hall’s galleries and garden, and interpretive programs - including guided house tours on the hour. An interactive presentation based on the research of Drayton Hall’s preservationist historians, "Port to Plantation: Slavery and the Making of the Early Lowcountry Economy" is offered several times daily and is included with admission. A visit should also include the 18th-century African-American cemetery—the largest documented African-American cemetery in North America, a self-guided river and landscape walk, lunch in The Garden Café at Drayton Hall and a stop in the beautiful boutique-style Museum Shop for locally curated merchandise inspired by Drayton Hall’s history. Drayton Hall is a National Historic Landmark and a must-see plantation house visit when traveling to Charleston. Open daily except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year’s Eve/Day, it is located at 3380 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414. 843-769-2600. Please check the website for the latest information on programs and promotions, admission fees, and events, and more.
