Hopsewee Plantation in Myrtle Beach
The 18th century birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Hopsewee Plantation is located about 45 miles south of Myrtle Beach in Georgetown, SC. A South Carolina National Historic Landmark, the 1740-built home appears much as it did some 270 years ago when it functioned as a typical Low Country rice plantation, thanks to the sturdy building materials that were used in its construction.
Situated on the Santee River, the plantation was built by Thomas Lynch, Sr. and its rice fields were the major source of income for the families that lived there until the time of the Civil War. Lynch Sr. was a prominent politician in the area, having served as a member of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Later, his son joined him in the South Carolina Second Provincial Congress and later, at age 26, became one of the youngest signers of the Declaration.
Later the home was sold to the Hume-Lucas family and then changed hands several times again. When it was acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Maynard in 1969, they saw to it that the home – which had been modernized by this time – achieved historic landmark status. In 1972, they opened Hopsewee Plantation to the public as a museum. In 2000, it was sold again, this time to Frank Beattie and his wife, who continue to maintain and home and museum today.
Visitors to Hopsewee Plantation have the opportunity to learn more about the rice plantations of the 18th century Low Country, which – by 1840 – were producing more than half of the rice produced in the United States. In addition, the plantation is also important in the history of the slave trade. Just before the Civil War, Hopsewee Plantation owned some 180 slaves, all of whom were needed to tend to the cultivation of the more than a half-million pounds of rice the plantation produced at that time.
Guests can visit and tour Hopsewee Plantation every Tuesday through Saturday from February through November, though the house remains as the private home of the Beattie family. During December and January, tours are available by appointment only. A visit to the plantation includes the chance to see the home and its antique furnishings and a number of artifacts from the plantation, some of which the current owner finds on his daily walks through the property. Archaeological digs still take place on the property and many have unearthed discoveries that provided important information about plantation life in early America. The facility also offers private Sweetgrass Basket-making classes for groups of 4 to 15 people. Classes last 3 hours and advance reservations are needed.
The River Cottage at Hopsewee Plantation can be rented for special events including weddings. The cottage is spacious and includes plenty of room for a sit-down style reception and also boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, AV technology, and internet access in order to accommodate business meetings or other corporate gatherings. On- and off-site catering is available as well.
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