Historic Houses of South Carolina

Whether you’re an interior decorator looking for some tips, or just interested in antebellum antiques, the plantations and historic homes of South Carolina are sure to deliver.

The Palmetto State features many famed houses, including the John Mark Verdier House in Beaufort, the Bedon-Lucas House in Walterboro, and the Millford Plantation near Santee.

South Carolina’s coast yields many a historic home in and around the Charleston area. Built in 1820, the Aiken-Rhett House, also known as the Gov. William Aiken House, is a living museum found on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Just east of Charleston, Mt. Pleasant features the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, plus the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site.

Closer to North Charleston, Drayton Hall is a Palladian-style plantation built in 1738 – and both a U.S. National Historic Landmark and listed on the register. Visitors may try the “Voices of Drayton Hall” interactive DVD tour, participate in the “Connections: From Africa to America” hands-on exhibit, or see “A Sacred Place” – the oldest operating African-American cemetery. Part of the Ashley River Historic District, Drayton Hall is open daily throughout the year.

Columbia, South Carolina’s capital and biggest city, yields many historic homes throughout its metropolitan area. Constructed in 1818 and listed on the register, the post-Colonial, Classical Revival style Hampton-Preston House is operated by the Historic Columbia Foundation, and features the popular "Home to Many People" exhibit.

Other historic homes in Columbia include the Robert Mills House & Gardens, the Mann-Simons Site, the Modjeska Monteith Simkins House, and the must-see Woodrow Wilson Family Home.