Most native South Carolinians can name at least one plantation near where they were raised where the history of slavery is ingrained into the land. Friendfield Plantation, located in Georgetown, South Carolina, was but one of them. Today it is considered one of the most well-preserved slave villages in the state – and you can take tour, if you like. (Note: the village is on private property and tours must be scheduled in advance. More information is available at the end of this short article.)
At the height of occupation, Friendfield Village had more than 20 homes.
Google Maps/Kate C
TripAdvisor/Lauren J It is widely considered to have begun in the mid 1700s. The village is comprised of several antebellum houses built prior to the Civil War, as well as some structures built or remodeled in the early 1900s.
All of the structures are empty and none are currently being used, however; they are under the watchful eyes of stewards. Shown below is the dispensary (hospital) for the town.
TripAdvisor/thymegrower
TripAdvisor/thymegrower The church shown above is one of the many community buildings still in place.
Tours of of the former slave village are conducted by Hobcaw Barony, under the stewardship of The Belle W. Baruch Foundation.
Google Maps/Kate C
Google Maps/Kate C Various tour types are available throughout the year. One of them, a two-hour bus tour encompasses highlights of Hobcaw Barony’s 16,000 acres, including passing through the old slave village. The tours are limited to a maximum of 14 people and must be reserved in advance.
Did you know about this intact slave village near South Carolina’s third oldest town (Georgetown)? And would you be interested in visiting?
Google Maps [satellite view, enhanced]
Friendfield Village is located on private property. To schedule a tour, visit the official website of Hobcaw Barony. Various tours are offered. We’d suggest starting with the Introductory Tour which lasts approximately two hours and includes transportation to the highlights found within this 16,000-acre property. The Introductory Tours are scheduled throughout the week and are currently $20/person. A schedule of the tours can be found at this link.
Google Maps/Kate C
TripAdvisor/Lauren J
It is widely considered to have begun in the mid 1700s. The village is comprised of several antebellum houses built prior to the Civil War, as well as some structures built or remodeled in the early 1900s.
TripAdvisor/thymegrower
The church shown above is one of the many community buildings still in place.
Various tour types are available throughout the year. One of them, a two-hour bus tour encompasses highlights of Hobcaw Barony’s 16,000 acres, including passing through the old slave village. The tours are limited to a maximum of 14 people and must be reserved in advance.
Google Maps [satellite view, enhanced]
For more historic plantations found within South Carolina, keep reading here.
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