McLeod Plantation Historic Site
This 37-acre (15-hectare) James Island plantation, dating back to 1851, is today a Gullah/Geechee heritage site that offers an honest look at what life was like for the enslaved and emancipated African Americans who worked here. Besides the Georgian-style plantation home, the site also includes slave quarters, a cotton gin house, and a Gullah cemetery.
This meticulously restored plantation offers insight into the stories of those who lived here. Staff-led interpretive tours are included in admission and take visitors into the McLeod family home to learn about the plantation’s importance in the Civil War, the role of sea island cotton in the era's economy, and the transition to freedom for the African Americans who lived on the plantation. The first floor of the main house is open to self-guided tours.
The plantation is a must-visit for families and history buffs.
Guided tours of the plantation last approximately 45 minutes.
Download the McLeod Plantation Historic Site app before your visit for a self-guided tour.
Photography is allowed throughout the property.
The best way to reach the plantation is by car, but arrive early for the best parking. Public bus route 31 also stops nearby; get off at Folly Rd / Old Folly Road SB. Some plantation tours may include McLeod and provide transportation.
The plantation grounds are open Tuesday–Sunday, 9am–4pm, as well as on Labor Day and Memorial Day. If you visit in summer, arrive early to avoid the afternoon heat as you explore the grounds.
While you’re touring the plantation site, make sure to visit the McLeod Oak. This grand, moss-draped live oak is believed to be more than 600 years old and is hard to miss.
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