Taking the old river routes through the Delta takes much longer than using the modern roads (and a car) but moving through the untouched marshes and rice fields is extraordinary, an opportunity very few will get.

First photo here is from Hampton Creek. The plantation buildings backup to the water. The far side of the creek is actually all rice along the tree line. For a short while I was convinced rain was going to change some of our plans, thankfully it held off.

Climbing up the creek bank the first building is the old kitchen. It’s still in pretty good shape.

Finally you reach the old plantation main house. I think it may be the most impressive of the plantation era. The main building dates to 1735, the top front peak, a frieze and pedimented gable, about 1790. After the Revolutionary War here.

I also think the house is a perfect example of what Hollywood used in any old movies. Since it’s pretty rural Hollywood typically used the plantations and land close to Charleston.

Members of the Rutledge family owned this property until 1971, when South Carolina purchased it. A Rutledge family member has been part of US history since the 1730’s.