Hampton Plantation State Historic Site

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site which is also known as, Hampton Plantation or Hampton Plantation House, encompasses a total area of 27 acres of land tucked away among Magnolias and Oaks in the Santee Delta Region and is close to McClellanville City in South Carolina. Hampton Plantation State Historic Site was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and added to the National Historic Landmark Program in April 1970.

The Georgian-style mansion and well-kept grounds serve as a reminder of the system of slavery and the story of the freed people who continued to build their homes in the Santee Delta region several generations after their emancipation. Furthermore, the plantation was also an inspiration to South Carolina poet laureate, Archibald Rutledge who lived in the plantation house and bequeathed the property to the state of South Carolina. This historic site is also home to the final remnants of colonial-era rice plantations.

Besides its historic significance, the Hampton Plantation House offers several other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed including bird watching, interpretive trails, fishing at Wambaw Creek, hiking, guided tours, and geocaching. To get to the park from Georgetown just travel south on Highway 17 about 16 miles and after crossing the two Santee River bridges, turn right at the first intersection onto Rutledge Road then drive three miles to the park entrance which will be on your right. If you are driving from Charleston, keep driving north along Highway 17 for about 35 miles and then turn left onto Rutledge Road, then drive three miles to the park entrance which will be on your right.

Furthermore, if you have a dog, you can bring them along at no extra cost. You will, however, need to follow standard South Carolina State Park rules. Some of the rules regarding dogs include the following. You must keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet long or keep your pooch in an enclosure. You must also maintain immediate control of your dog at all times because if your dog makes excessive noise or threatens wildlife in the park then your pooch shall be kicked out of the park.