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Friday, December 28, 2012

Middleton Place, Charleston, South Carolina - Visit by Carrie Fancett Pagels



Middleton Place outside of Charleston, South Carolina, is a magical place.  When we lived there, I had a family membership and could go any time I wished.  Now, living in Virginia, I only get to go if we are visiting Charleston, which may be every few years.  Recently we got to visit during their special colonial days event.  Talk about providential timing for our trip to Charleston!

It was a pretty busy weekend day when we arrived in November.  The parking lots were much bigger than I remember. There is also a greenhouse on the property now.  We got several nice pictures on the steps of the ruins of the old main house.  This structure fell after an earthquake hit Charleston, after the Civil War.  One of the guest buildings still stands and is used for tours.  

I will admit I was quite disappointed with the tour.  The charge was steep, the crowd was large, and with my difficulty walking I was the last person in each room, couldn’t hear the speaker, and was rushed on to the next section.  However, since the displays hadn’t changed much in the past decade or so, I was reasonably familiar with much of what was in the house.  Given that it was a very busy weekend, however, I probably shouldn't be surprised at how packed the tour was.

Isn't this a lovely bench?  It is located on the side of the house.  

At the side of the property are Middleton's famed Butterfly lakes.  Several movies have been filmed at Middleton, including "The Patriot" scene where Cornwallis is shown occupying Middleton.

The Middleton Place staff and volunteers out at the farm were attentive and took their time explaining different common daytime tasks on a plantation and crafts.  I was delighted to be taken under the wing of one of the staff member’s spouses and he introduced me to many people working in the various crafts. 

One occupation at Middleton was barrel making.  These barrels were used to ship goods up the river and out from Charleston. Note the detailing which is from local wood.


Indigo dying was also displayed the day we were there.


The type of cotton grown during colonial times had black seeds that had to be removed from the cotton. The reenactor who demonstrated, patiently explained to the children (including mine) how this process worked.
IMAG0759.jpg
Middleton Place Reenactor
Question:  Do you have a favorite historical place you love to visit?  Has it changed over time?  What keeps you going back?

15 comments:

  1. I've never been to a historical place, that I recall. Your pictures are so inviting, Carrie. I am sorry you were rushed through the tour. I've seen how barrels are made and it is quite an undertaking. Thank you for sharing! Hugs and God bless!

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    1. Debbie, There were four of us I paid for, which made it worse (my pocketbook hurt, lol!) But the folks out on the farm were wonderful and that made the visit totally worthwhile. It is a gorgeous property.

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    2. Sorry it cost so much, but happy that you enjoyed yourself!

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  2. I have never been able to do much travel except to visit the folks, I did get to travel to Wyo. and Montana once tho. We visited the place of the big Indian war where General Custer and hundreds of others died. Forget how many tribes of Indians and gathered for that last stand. A sad time tho.
    Maxie

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    1. Maxie, I went to Andersonville with my nephew, decades ago and that was the most heart-breaking historical visit I have ever had. You could almost feel the pain there.

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  3. CARRIE thanks for the beautiful pictures, it has been a while since we have been to Middleton Place. I think of all the historic places we have been to in different states, Charleston is my favorite. There is so much to see, Charlestown Landing is at the top of my list of places to go while there. This makes me want to hop in the car and take a quick road trip tomorrow, I'm blessed to be able to drive there in about 1.5 hours. :D

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    1. Sorry you guys did not get to meet me there. So glad we got to hoot and holler at Lizard's Thicket, though!

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  4. Great pictures, Carrie. This reminds me a lot of Wakefield, George Washington's birthplace. I think I've enjoyed every historic place I've visited, though I'm partial to the ones in Virginia.

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  5. I truly love visiting historical sites. I don't get to visit them as much as I would like. But during Spring 2012 I visited Old Salem (in Winston-Salem, NC) which was home to the Moravians who settled in the area. It is beautifully kept and they have wonderful exhibits. My daughter and her 4 home school little ones thoroughly enjoyed the visit. I also visited Williamsburg several years ago with another of my daughters. That is lovely, too, and they street speakers and guides speak as though that day you are visiting is that actual day in history and speak of events that were occurring at that specific time. The Boston area is also wonderful to visit with all of the area's historical opportunities.

    In Wilmington, NC, there is Cornwallis house (so named because Cornwallis "stayed" there) and I believe it features an escape tunnel that goes the 3 or 4 blocks to the river. Also, other old houses and the beautifully restored waterfront area.

    Yes, I love history.

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    1. Vera, you have given me some good ideas! I want to go visit these places in NC!!!

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  6. Great pictures, Carrie. Thanks for sharing. As glad as I am to be back in VA, I miss Charleston.

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    1. Hey Libbie!!! I bet you will keep missing Charleston but I am so glad you are closer and can't wait to see you!

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  7. This was one of the few plantations in South Carolina that I hadn't visited, but finally made it there last year. It was worth the wait, though I still love Boone Hall the best.

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    1. Oh, I haven't been to Boone in years and years, Jessica! I'd love to go back there. You cannot beat Middleton though in spring when the THOUSANDS of azaleas are blooming on the hillsides!

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