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Drayton Hall, Charleston

4.3

#5 of 38 in Historic Sites in Charleston

Architectural Building Historic Site

• ©

See the oldest American plantation house still open to public--Drayton Hall--a typical Palladian style edifice, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman temples. It has remained in close-to-original condition, since the mid-18th century when it was built. Hear about seven generations of Draytons who lived on the property, about their servants, and about slavery. The teapots they used and the marble-topped tables are still there. So are the copper slave tags. Walk through the Victorian gardens and see the reflection pond. Take a guided tour, and have a camera ready. Use our Charleston online road trip planner to arrange your visit to Drayton Hall and other attractions in Charleston.

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Drayton Hall Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,826 reviews

Google

4.3

facebook

4.7

10,175 likes

• By BolshyNomad

  Peaceful and delightful. Well maintained and a complete opposite to the very close by Magnolia Plantation. Visit here and give Magnolia a miss.  more »

• By FresnoBartel

  I love Palladian architecture! This house survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars unscathed. It was never updated and is virtually intact from the time is was built. This was the highlight of m...  more »

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Google

• By Brandon Reid

  Drayton Hall has done an incredible job in recent years adding a new visitor center, in 2018, that displays some artifacts, shows a short film about the history of the plantation, and has a cafe and gift shop. The house is considered the first and one of the best examples of Palladian architecture in North America. The house is empty and allows visitors to appreciate all the intricate details that makes this place different than other plantations in the area. Another important difference is that Drayton Hall addresses slavery in more direct way than others. If you are looking for beautiful gardens this is not the place to go, however, if you are interested in seeing incredible architecture and a more honest account of history then Drayton Hall is well worth your time and money.

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• By Lawrence Jay

  This place is amazing. The history is mind blowing. You will have to come and experience this breath taking place before U die. Words can't describe.

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