Day 73: March 13 – Middleton Plantation, Charleston S.C.

Overcast with periods of light rain, low 70s

       When we decided to visit two of the old plantations in the vicinity of Charleston, S.C., I knew I’d be getting a great lesson in the history of our country.  Middleton Plantation was a rice plantation of over acres with several palatial mansions of the deralist period architecture.  The original old house had been built in 1705 and was acquired by Henry Middleton in 1741.  Henry was an influential political figure, acting as both the Speaker of the Commons and the Commissioner for Indian Affairs. He was also a leader of the British opposition. He served in the First Continental Congress and was elected as its second President. 

       Arthur, Henry’s son, inherited the property in 1763 and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  Down through the years, the Middleton’s passed the estate down from generation to generation.  During the Civil War, the Union army under Sherman occupied the house and eventually ransacked and burned the property.  The southern wing was not as severely damaged and when the present owner Williams Middleton returned in 1869, restoration of the wing was begun. Later an earthquake finished the demolition of the main house and the north wing, but the south wing again survived.  It was this building that we were able to visit today. 

       As I said, I expected to get a great history lesson.  What I did not expect was how “birdy” the plantation grounds were.  Throughout the day, we were serenaded by the songs of Carolina wrens, Northern parulas, Northern cardinals, White-throated sparrows, Song sparrows, Titmice, and other song birds.  We had Wood storks, Little blue herons, both vultures, Great blue herons, Tricolor herons, and a pair of Carolina chickadees building a nest in a hollow in a tree.    

Nesting Carolina chickadees

        The Middletons established magnificent gardens throughout the grounds of the estate throughout the year.  The “azalea hillside” is an area of the property with over 100,000 azaleas of which more than 30,000 were in full bloom on this day.  As I photographed the striking garden in subdued light, a Great egret strolled through the scene complimenting the beautiful scene.  Wonderful birds in a wonderful setting with some fascinating history…… another remarkable day. 

The Azalea Hill