Drayton Hall: A Window into Colonial America
Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Drayton Hall offers a rare and powerful glimpse into early American history. Built in 1738, it is the oldest unrestored plantation house open to the public in the United States, and one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in North America.
What makes Drayton Hall truly unique is its commitment to preservation rather than restoration. Unlike other historic homes, the main house has been carefully conserved without modern alterations, allowing visitors to experience it much as it was centuries ago. There’s no electricity, no plumbing—just history, unfiltered and authentic.
The estate sits on a scenic stretch of the Ashley River, surrounded by centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Visitors can explore the house on guided tours, walk through interpretive exhibits in the visitor center, and wander peaceful grounds that include a historic African American cemetery still in use today.
Drayton Hall isn’t just a place to see beautiful architecture—it’s a place to connect with the layered stories of the Lowcountry, from the Drayton family who built it to the generations of enslaved people who lived and worked there. It’s a powerful, reflective experience you won’t soon forget.
