Oldest Plantations In America: Everything You Need To Know

What are the oldest plantations in America? You’re about to find out in this post. But firstly, what is a plantation? It is a farm. In plantations, farmers grow a specific crop, though they can have supplementary fields for other crops. 

You can grow a range of cash crops on a plantation. These include sugar cane, chocolate, oil seeds, cotton, coffee, rubber trees, and fruits. 

Location is crucial when establishing a plantation. It would help if you considered the safety of the area and the crops that would thrive there.  

Plantation agriculture has always been a common practice in the Western world. However, European colonialism opened the door to global trade. Their involvement in the business helped establish a global economy.  

Here, we will discuss the United States of America’s oldest plantations. Keep reading for more details.

The Oldest Plantations In The United States of America

1: Shirley Plantation:

Have you ever visited Shirley Plantation? You’ll be blown away. Shirley Plantation is the oldest in the United States of America. It was established around 1613 and patented to Edward Hill in 1660.

This 800-acre plantation remains a property of the Edward family. It is located in Charles City County and features several must-see structures, including a demolished three-story building.

Shirley Plantation used to be one of the economically significant plantations in the United States of America. It was once used for the production of tobacco, distributed around the colonies and across England.

Robert E. Lee, a Confederate General’s mother, Anne Hill Carter, was born on this amazing plantation. Hill’s family still runs the business, now regarded as one of North America’s oldest family-owned businesses.  

Shirley Plantation was added to the National Register For Historic Places in 1969 and the Virginia Register Landmark Register in 1968.

2: Whitney Plantation – Wallace Louisiana

Do you know the story of enslaved people, how they were treated and what happened during the early days of Whitney Plantation? You can take a self-guided tour using an application when you visit this plantation. However, a visit to this plantation will help refresh your memory.

There were over 20 enslaved people during the early days of this plantation. The first crop planted here was indigo. They later moved to sugarcane.

How was the Whitney Plantation established? First off, Ambroise Heidal was the first person to purchase the land on which the Whitney Plantation was. He bought the land in 1752.

Heidal came from Germany. However, he later changed his name to Heydal. Before death struck, Heydal transferred the property to his son, Jean Jacques Jr.

The Heydal family kept and operated the plantation until 1860. A businessman called Bradish Johnson bought the property from them in 1860.

Bradish Johnson gave the 1,800-acre plantation the name “Whitney.” He named it “Whitney” for his daughter, as her husband’s name is Whitney.

The Whitney Plantation has had numerous owners. The latest was John Cummings, who owned the plantation from 1999 to 2019. Cummings even founded the Whitney Institute in 2014.

This not-for-profit institution’s mission is to preserve the Whitney Plantation Historic District.

Cummings invested a lot of money in this plantation to return it to its former glory after purchasing it in 1999. He had several stories of enslaved women and children’s monuments on the grounds, as he wanted to tell their stories uniquely.

On this plantation, you’ll find life-size children’s sculptures and various artwork designed to let the world know what happened during the days people were enslaved on the plantation. 

3: Oak Alley Plantation 

With an impressive number of oak trees lining the driveway, Oak Alley Plantation is such a captivating place and a must-visit for people looking to interact with nature on another level. The plantation derived its name from the oak trees. 

Oak Alley Plantation is one of the oldest and most recognized plantations in the United States of America. It’s also one of the most visited. 

You’ll find diverse rooms with amazing interiors designed to make you feel at home. There are also plenty of restaurants if you feel hungry while exploring the plantation. 

Check out the century-old oak trees that make this plantation unique. Breathe fresh and clean air, and interact with Mother Nature like never before. 

The oak trees were planted in the 18th century. However, the grafting of the pecan trees (an agricultural breakthrough), buildings, and ground make this plantation a National Historic site.

French Creole Valcour Aime purchased the land the Oak Alley Plantation was sitting on in 1830. Sugarcane was the first crop he planted on the land and named it “Bon Se’jour Plantation. 

Aime ran a highly successful sugarcane business and was one of the wealthiest individuals in the South. His success in the business brought him the nickname “King of Sugar.” His contribution to the growth of the sugar industry was massive.

4: Laura Plantation: Located In Vacherie, Louisiana

 Laura Plantation is another old and a must-visit plantation in the United States of America. It was established in 1804. 

The original name of this plantation was I’ Habitation before it was changed to Laura Plantation. Another thing you need to know about this plantation is that enslaved people built it. 

Laura Plantation was built in about eleven months by highly skilled enslaved people. The plantation is situated 600 feet north of the River Mississippi. 

The plantation was open to the public in 1994 and is such a place to explore. The one thing that makes Laura Plantation unique is not the structures and trees but the history.

This is the first plantation you’ll find in Louisiana that incorporates the history of the enslaved people in the guide. It also has photographs of the real people who resided in the plantation many years ago. So, you’ll have an unforgettable experience on this plantation. 

Learn about the experiences of the people who lived here. You’ll find information about the enslaved people and how they worked hard to make the plantation a reality. 

5: Monmouth Plantation, Natchez, Mississippi:

The Monmouth Plantation is a must-visit for people seeking a destination to cool off. This plantation has everything you need. It boasts the space, appeal, and an award-winning restaurant if peradventure you get hungry during your trip. 

So, if you’re thinking of a place in the south to unwind, let Monmouth Plantation be one on your list. The Inn Garden, built in 1818, is out of this world. The “Restaurant 1818” is one of the places to consider visiting when you stop by this plantation.  

Understand that the inn gardens on this plantation have been marked National Historic Gardens. The plantation boasts approximately 26 gardens.

Exploring the Monmouth Plantation is fun. You’ll feel at home whenever you visit, regardless of where you come from. All the staff are welcoming and will make you want to extend your stay. 

6: Sion Hill Plantation: Located in Maryland 

Sion Hill was begun in 1785 by John Ireland. He wanted it to be an academy for boys, but that dream wasn’t met. John worked hard to make Sion Hill a reality but couldn’t complete the project. 

The failure to complete the project led John Ireland to sell the property to Gideon Denison in 1975. Denison had a daughter who was married at the time. Her name was Minerva. Denison decided to give the property to Minerva.

Minerva’s husband strived for the project to be completed and eventually did so successfully.      

7: Boone Hall Plantation: Charleston, South Carolina

The Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is one of the oldest plantations in America. It boasts a rich history, which you’ll learn when you embark on the tour. 

This plantation was established around 1681 and is considered one of the most photographed plantations in the United States of America. You won’t also go wrong in calling it the most-photographed plantation in the world. 

If you’re a fan of Hollywood movies, then you must have stumbled on this gorgeous plantation. Hollywood has used it in several movies, such as Notebook and North and South. It has also been featured in popular TV programs in the country, such as American Idol.  

In the movie The Notebook, the Boone Hall Plantation served as Allie’s family summer house. You can see how captivating the surroundings are on the big screen.

This plantation is over 340 years old. So, it was built over three centuries ago. John Boone built the plantation and was among the first immigrants to arrive in South Carolina.    

Boone Hall was among the most successful farmers of peach, cotton, pecan, and indigo. He was America’s most successful pecan supplier by the end of the 19th century. 

This plantation was sold off to numerous people, including the Georgian prince. The plantation also housed hundreds of enslaved people who worked hard to make it a success. 

You can take a tour of this plantation. And remember to pick strawberries once they’re in season. This gorgeous plantation

The plantation’s vibrant garden makes it a unique and incredible space for any production. You can visit to learn more about this place and agriculture.  

 8: Magnolia Plantation: Located In South Carolina

The Magnolia Plantation is a must-visit for people looking to spend quality time outdoors. This is one of the top-rated plantations in the United States of America and one of the oldest in the country. 

The Magnolia Plantation is the oldest in South Carolina. How? Firstly, let’s consider when Thomas Drayton Jr., the original owner, built the manor house. He erected the building around 1680. 

This plantation officially started operating around 1830, and you can trace its history to the 18th century. In the early 19th century, Magnolia was utilized as an administrative structure. 

The owners turned Magnolia’s inland rice fields into ornamental lakes.   

Tragedy struck the Magnolia in 1811. The manor house was burnt, and a new one had to be built. Today, the Drayton family still manages the plantation, though it sold a significant portion to the Charleston Mining and Manufacturing Company in the 1800s. 

A visit to this plantation will make your day. And if you’re a farmer, you’ll encounter sold technology used back then. Examples include cotton picker tractors, including cotton gins. The cotton gins are of two types: animal and steam-powered. 

The Magnolia Plantation boasts 21 buildings. However, the main building is private property and unavailable to the public. But you can visit the other buildings and learn more about this historic plantation. 

In the buildings, you’ll find slave quarters. The size of the buildings and cabins shows the plantation accommodated many enslaved people. It featured 70 cabins. 

You’ll be stunned by the history of this great plantation. But you’ll enjoy it more when you have a tour guide or means to teach yourself. It boasts an app dedicated to rendering self-guided tours. 

9: Glenfield Plantation: Natchez, Mississippi

The Glenfield Plantation is one with a massive history. You can visit to learn about the Union soldiers and how they were determined to return to their country. 

Looters, including the Union soldiers, around 1865 attacked the Glenfield Plantation. The major reason for invading the plantation was to recover all the colonial masters had stolen. 

Unfortunately, the looters and soldiers on a mission didn’t succeed. The Cannon family got the news of the invasion and prepared well. They were able to scare the intruders.

You can visit to participate in the Candlelight Ghost Tour or explore the plantation on your own terms. There are plenty of places to go and words to hear on this plantation. 

This plantation also has everything you’re looking for. It boasts a restaurant where you can eat whenever you feel hungry. And what’s more, the restaurant opens its doors 24 hours to ensure visitors don’t have to explore the plantation on an empty stomach.

10: Pebble Hill Plantation: Thomasville, Georgia. 

Visiting Thomasville, South West Georgia, isn’t complete without visiting Pebble Hill Plantation. It is one of the top plantations around. 

This plantation is on 3000-acre land and features gorgeous buildings. They have crystal porcelain furniture and magnolia-filled grounds, which have long-leafed spines. 

This plantation has features to keep visitors informed, engaged, and happy. It boasts a dog kennel, brick horse stables, and a historic cemetery. 

11: Rose Hill Plantation: Bluffton, South Carolina  

Rose Hill Plantation is a unique place to be. There is plenty to see and explore on this gorgeous plantation. This plantation used to be an antebellum and home to Dr. John William and family. 

John Rose was the plantation’s owner in the early 1800s. So, it is believed that “Rose Hill Plantation” was named after the owner, John Rose. 

This plantation boasts houses that will leave you speechless. You’ll find incredible houses with Gothic Revival Design. But unfortunately, the majority of it was burnt down. The fire incident took place in 1987.

This plantation boasts incredible oak magnolia trees, including exotic wildlife. The plants’ natural beauty helps to set this plantation apart. 

Take advantage of the plantation’s social amenities, such as a swimming pool, golf course, tennis court, and massive play area.  

Conclusion

These are the oldest plantations in America. These plantations hold significant economic importance to Americans and serve as ornamental crops. Plantations are farms famous for cultivating a specific type of crop. These could be cash crops or regular ornamental crops. 

These plantations date back to the pre-colonial era. They served as an essential revenue source for the country and played a crucial role in the economy’s growth. You can check out the various plantations and where they were established across the United States of America.