Magnolia Plantation is located right on the Ashley River and is one of the oldest plantation homes in the South. In 1676, Thomas and Ann Drayton built a house and small formal garden on the site, and remained relatively unchanged until 1840 when Reverend John Drayton built formal English gardens that the Plantation became famous for. During the civil war, the manor house was burned and in order to rebuild, the Drayton family opened the gardens as a tourist attraction.
Today, the plantation remains under the ownership of the Drayton family after 15 generations. Visitors can tour the restored plantation house, slave cabins and the gardens. Watch out for alligators if you take a marsh boat tour, and don't get lost the maze that's set in the middle of the plantation!
