
Avenue of the Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation (Photo Credit: By JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons)
The Early Days
In 1681, Major John Boone came to Charleston and settled on the banks of the Wampacheone Creek. The land on which the plantation is situated was gifted to Boone and his wife upon their marriage. The plantation has seen many different owners over the years and today is owned and run by the McRae family. It was here that cotton and pecans were grown and harvested, with much of the work done by slaves before slavery was abolished. The Colonial Revivalist style home, the grand main house, was constructed in 1935 by former owner Thomas Stone.
Touring the Mansion

By Rennett Stowe (Flickr: Boone Hall Plantation House) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Slave Street

Photo Credit: By Benjamin Dahlhoff (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Avenue of the Oaks
The avenue of oak trees, draped in Spanish moss, was planted back in 1743 by John Boone’s son. As the trees have grown over the centuries, they have become an iconic image of the American South. Their perfect arrangement in two neat rows, leading the way to the main house, has been seen in numerous TV and film productions. You may recognize it from the miniseries North and South, the soap opera Days of Our Lives, or most recently, The Notebook.
A day trip to Boone Hall Plantation is easy if you’re in the Charleston area. Admission is just $20 for adults, and it includes the Avenue of the Oaks, a tour of the plantation house, Slave Street, the garden tour, and a coach tour. There are many different special events happening throughout the year, so be sure to check out the official website in advance of your visit.
I would love to visit a place like this! My knowledge of American History is somewhat limited, but I bet a place like this really brings it to life, even if the reality is rather harrowing.
I’ve been wanting to visit the southern states of the US and South Carolina is one of them. The photos above almost looks like a set in a period movie!
Charleston looks like such a charming place! It seems to have a mix of history, old-world magic and natural beauty.
That place is unbelievable!