A Brief History of Magnolia Gardens & Plantation
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are not only a major site to witness but is also one of the top places to get engaged or hold a wedding at. Known for its illustrious arrangement and variety of flora and wildlife, Magnolia Plantation is a quintessential place to visit for tourists and locals alike. With the height of the bloom of the azaleas being around the end of March to mid-April, makes it the perfect destination to see during springtime. Magnolia is known for its Azaleas mainly and has a rich history and foundation in Charleston. The history of Magnolia Plantation dates to 1676, founded by Thomas Drayton and his wife Ann.
azalea walkway
Thomas and Ann arrived from Barbados to Charles Towne, which at the time was a new English Colony, and established Magnolia Plantation along the Ashley River. Magnolia Plantation is not just known for its beautiful flowers and paths but in the beginning, Magnolia cultivated the growth of rice during the Colonial Era. Later, British, and American troops would occupy the grounds during the American Revolutionary War. The Drayton sons later became Statesmen and fought against British rule at the time of the Revolutionary War. It’s apparent that the gardens saw a flourishment and explosion of beautiful flora through both the 17th and 18th centuries, it wasn’t until the 19th century had we seen the major growth and expansion on a grander scale.
the magnolia house
Aside from the beautiful scenery providing a picture-perfect scenario for anyone who is getting engaged, married, or just looking to shoot some gorgeous photos; Magnolia Gardens and Plantation is also seen in several movies and television shows. One fun fact about Magnolia Gardens and Plantation is that the art director of Shrek (Douglas Rogers) used the swamp on the plantation grounds for inspiration for Shrek’s swamp in the hit movie and musical series, Shrek.
After the death of Thomas Drayton in 1825, he willed the estate to his daughter’s sons since Thomas did not have his own male heirs. Thomas and John Grimké being the only male heirs available were told in Thomas’ will to change their surname to their mother’s maiden name, Drayton. After some time, John became the sole heir after his brother Thomas had suffered a gunshot wound while out deer hunting; Thomas was found on the Plantation steps. John found himself to be a wealthy plantation owner at the ripe age of 22. John began to pursue ministerial work in 1838. After some years of hardships, tribulations, and the stress of owning a wealthy and prosperous plantation and working as a minister, he fell ill with tuberculosis. His only cure was to tend to the garden and after years of doing so, a miracle happened, John beat tuberculosis.
The outbreak of the Civil War threatened the welfare of the family and estate. However, the plantation would see tremendous growth and addition to the gardens as they became the focus of agriculture when the gardens became open to the public in 1870. Opening the plantation and gardens to the public for the first time in 1870, saved the estate and its land from ruin. Since then, it has become one of the greatest public gardens in the United States with a rich history to boot.
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These photos are:
-Justin