A Day at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

South Carolina

March 2022

A Walk Through Magnolia Gardens and Home

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was in full bloom on a perfect spring day. This historic site, which first welcomed visitors in 1870, was a stunning blend of cultivated and untamed beauty. As we walked through the gardens, we meandered under ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, past colorful camellias and azaleas, and over idyllic white bridges. Later, we discovered the wilderness part of the garden, which was also beautiful, with its tidal marshes, cypress-tupelo swamps, and bottomland forests.

Next, it was time for the House Tour (no pictures), which highlighted the plantation’s architecture and the history of the Drayton family. We learned that the descendants of Thomas and Ann Drayton still own the former plantation, which was once a rice plantation.

The "From Slavery to Freedom" Tour

The “From Slavery to Freedom” tour addressed the challenging, painful topic of the history of slavery in the region and Charleston’s role in the slave trade. The 45-minute walking tour focused on the history of enslaved people on the plantation. We entered five 1850s wooden cabins, where once enslaved people and later African American garden workers lived.

Hiking the Audubon Swamp Garden Trail

We concluded our visit by hiking the Swamp Trail through the Audubon Swamp Garden, which is an example of the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. This area is a sanctuary for a diverse wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and many birds. Unfortunately, the battery in my camera died so that I couldn’t get any close-ups.

The Beauty and Burden of Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation offered a complex and moving experience. The natural beauty is stunning, but it exists alongside a harrowing history. While I treasured the historic lessons learned there, I couldn’t imagine celebrating a joyous event on these grounds that have witnessed so much suffering.