Drayton Hall was built in the early 1700's, and is one of the finest and oldest-surviving examples of Georgian Palladian architecture in the US. Belonging to 7 generations of Drayton's, the house is now owned by the National Trust for Historical Preservation and welcomes thousands of visitors through its doors.
Construction of Drayton Hall began in 1738 by 23-year-old John Drayton, who purchased the 350-acre plantation that the house sits upon that same year. The plantation is on the Ashley River, 12 miles from Charlestown and close to John's home of Magnolia Plantation. It was completed just 4 years later in 1742, and to this day remains one of the finest examples of colonial architecture.
Since the 1700's it's been home to 7 generations of Drayton's as well as the 7 generations of African American slaves that accompanied them, and has a wealth of history locked behind its doors. In 1974 Charles and Frank Drayton sold the property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the house now stands as a national landmark of Georgian architecture and American colonial history alike.
It came to the trust largely un-restored with much of the house remaining the same since it was built, with only minor alterations and restorations being undertaken in its almost 300-year history. The house has been beautifully preserved for future generations to enjoy, along with the acres of gardens that accompany it.
It's the only plantation on the Ashley River to remain completely intact, having withstood being used as a staging ground in the Revolution, surviving the great Charleston Earthquake of 1886 even though its epicentre was just a few miles away, and avoiding being flattened by countless hurricanes since its conception. It's quite remarkable to even be standing, let alone to remain largely untouched and remodelled. It more than earns its status as a National Historic Landmark.
There are professionally guided tours of the house as well as self-guided tours including maps and DVD's. Exhibitions fill the house, and visitors can also enjoy marsh and river walks, a trip to the artisan-inspired museum shop and a reflective stop at the African American cemetery, where at least 33 former slaves are buried.
The house operates on seasonal times, being open from 8:30am to 5pm 1st March - 31st October, and from 9:30am to 4pm 1st November - 28th February. Guided tours operate on the hour every hour, and the last tour each day leaves at half past the hour. Entry fees range from $6 for children to $14 for adults, with children under 6 getting in free.
The house and grounds are also available for private functions, corporate events and weddings, and can provide the perfect backdrop to any special occasion. After the site is closed to the general public it's all yours, and staff can help you to create the perfect moment. The Hall can only accommodate a limited number of special events per year, so make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
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