Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site preserves the antebellum home of South Carolina governor William H. Gist. Serving as governor from 1858 to 1860, William Gist is known as the "Secessionist Governor" for his comments following the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States of America. Gist is reported to have said, "The only alternative left, in my judgment, is the secession of South Carolina from the Federal Union." Governor Gist, a plantation owner and slave holder, had come to believe that the only way the state of South Carolina could protect slavery was to break away from the Union. He encouraged other Southern states to follow suit.
The elegant plantation home was built between 1828 and 1832 in the Federalist style. Notable features of the three story brick home are the fanlights, carved doors, and spiral staircase. In the 1850s the brick was covered by stucco and the front and back porches were added to update the home to the Greek Revival style, which was more popular at the time. The mansion is furnished with pieces typical of the mid 1800s, as well as personal items that belonged to the Gist family. Rose Hill Plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a fine example of a prosperous Upcountry cotton plantation. Tours of the mansion are given daily on the hour from 1pm-4pm. Admission prices are for adults and for youth 6-15 years of age.
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The lovely grounds at Rose Hill Plantation are known for their heirloom roses. There are formal boxwood gardens and ornamental gardens, as well as a kitchen garden typical of the period. Gist planted the magnolia trees and boxwoods in front of the house. The William Gist family cemetery is located near the park entrance.
The 44-acre park grounds include a picnic area and a nature trail. The 1.25 mile loop trail runs through both the historic site and U.S. Forest Service property. The trail leads past a replica of a slave cabin and through forest land. A short spur trail off the main trail leads down to the Tyger River.
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site is located at 2677 Sardis Road near Union, South Carolina. The site is within the Sumter National Forest, which is comprised of nearly 371,000 acres. Visitors to the Newberry, South Carolina area may enjoy exploring this nearby historic plantation and gardens.
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site HILL
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