Middleton Place, Charleston

Two of America’s Founding Fathers called Middleton Place home: Henry Middleton, a president of the First Continental Congress, and his son Arthur Middleton, who signed the Declaration of Independence. At this National Historic Landmark, you'll explore America’s oldest landscaped gardens, the House Museum filled with Middleton family possessions, and the plantation stableyards with heritage breeds. The centerpiece of Middleton Place is Eliza’s House, a freedman’s dwelling that serves to recognize the lives and legacy of the enslaved people who built and maintained the property. Your tour includes a delicious lunch of traditional Low Country cuisine. Lunch often includes a choice of several options including crab soup or a garden salad to start, followed by shrimp, pulled pork, or fried chicken for the main with an assortment of side dishes, and pecan pie dessert.

When you arrive at the plantation you will be given a guided tour starting with Americas first formal gardens designed in the image of Versailles. Gardens that have welcomed visitors for two and a half centuries. The Middleton family started construction of the gardens in 1741 and the work went on for generations. They are the finest formal gardens in the area. Then on to the plantation home, absolutely the most authentic in the area and home to some of America most important early settlers. The second owner of Middleton Place, Henry Middleton, was the second President of the First Continental Congress. His son, Arthur Middleton signed the Declaration of Independence and his son, Williams Middleton, signed the Ordinance of Secession. Lot's of history. Finally to the stable yard. There you will witness working craftsmen preforming the chores of the day. You will see a seamstress, a barrel maker, pottery maker and a blacksmith all dressed in the period. In addition you will learn about the history of slavery on the plantation.