Discover Hopsewee Plantation: A Historic Treasure Near Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach area is renowned for its southern hospitality, delectable cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle—a foundation that traces back centuries.
Hopsewee Plantation, a cornerstone of Grand Strand history, stands proudly near Georgetown, South Carolina, along the Santee River. Constructed in 1735, this rice plantation is the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a key Patriot representing South Carolina.
During the Colonial era, the Lowcountry—home to plantations like Hopsewee—emerged as America's leading rice producer. This achievement owed much to enslaved African Americans, who brought innovative techniques from West Africa, including advanced irrigation, marsh management, and water control methods.
These individuals, known as the Gullah-Geechee people, have preserved a vibrant cultural legacy. They crafted intricate sweetgrass baskets—still visible in local marshes—essential for rice processing. This tradition endures among Gullah families from the region to northern Florida. At Hopsewee, visitors can join hands-on basket-weaving workshops led by Vera Manigault, an eighth-generation Gullah descendant and master weaver.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971, Hopsewee is a private residence open for tours Tuesday through Saturday. Explore the house, two surviving slave cabins, and dine at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room. Admire the original brick foundation, classic Lowcountry floorplan, ornate handcrafted moldings, and heart-pine floors in this serene, time-capsule setting.
The River Oak Cottage Tea Room, acclaimed among South Carolina's finest, offers authentic English tea service and a lunch menu featuring Lowcountry recipes by owner Raejean Beattie, a gourmet chef and history enthusiast. Its popularity has inspired the cookbook Hopsewee Cooking, with over 100 traditional recipes available for purchase here.
Book your tour today and immerse yourself in Hopsewee Plantation's rich heritage. Planning a Myrtle Beach getaway? Check our hotel deals, itineraries, and more for the ultimate vacation.
