2025-04-21: Middleton Plantation and the Edmondston-Alston House

Step back in time as we tour the beautiful grounds of Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark, home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Henry Middleton, a South Carolina delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress, created the gardens in 1741 in the classical style of those at the Palace of Versailles, and his descendants added camellias, tea olives, crepe myrtles and azaleas over the centuries. Besides the 65 acres of sweeping vistas, intimate garden rooms, and ornamental ponds, you will enjoy a tour of the main house, Eliza’s House, and Plantation Chapel, as well as an African American interpretive program. Note that the plantation house is two stories and the second floor is accessible only by stairs. The Edmonston-Alston House, our next stop, was constructed nearly 200 years ago, circa 1825. Commanding a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor, this home has witnessed many historic moments in the port city’s history. One of the oldest houses along the High Battery, it withstood the American Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886, and numerous hurricanes; it has survived to share a piece of Charleston history. We will stop for lunch (on your own) on the way to Middleton. Departure time is 8:00 a.m. Activity level 4.