Tucked away in the remote last vestiges of a colonial-era rice plantation, Hampton Plantation State Historic Site is both bucolic and evocative.

The plantation’s Georgian-style mansion and well-kept grounds serve as an interpretive site for the system of slavery that helped build such plantations into the greatest generators of wealth in early American history. They also tell the story of the freed people who made their homes there for generations after emancipation.

Visitors can explore the mansion, wander the plantation grounds or just look out upon Wambaw Creek at the remains of rice fields that once stretched as far as the eye could see. George Washington had such a view when he stood on the Hampton family’s portico in 1791.

A historic kitchen building, huge live oaks, camellia gardens and archaeological sites also tell the story of Lowcountry rice culture.

Hampton is an ideal place to discover the surrounding Santee Delta’s natural beauty, which inspired the works of a South Carolina poet laureate, Archibald Rutledge, who lived here and gave it to the people of South Carolina as a legacy.

The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.

Tucked away in the remote last vestiges of a colonial-era rice plantation, Hampton Plantation State Historic Site is both bucolic and evocative.

The plantation’s Georgian-style mansion and well-kept grounds serve as an interpretive site for the system of slavery that helped build such plantations into the greatest generators of wealth in early American history. They also tell the story of the freed people who made their homes there for generations after emancipation.

Visitors can explore the mansion, wander the plantation grounds or just look out upon Wambaw Creek at the remains of rice fields that once stretched as far as the eye could see. George Washington had such a view when he stood on the Hampton family’s portico in 1791.

A historic kitchen building, huge live oaks, camellia gardens and archaeological sites also tell the story of Lowcountry rice culture.

Hampton is an ideal place to discover the surrounding Santee Delta’s natural beauty, which inspired the works of a South Carolina poet laureate, Archibald Rutledge, who lived here and gave it to the people of South Carolina as a legacy.

This room is ideal for small business meetings.

The park has a small but active nature center that educates visitors about the natural beauty and diversity of Myrtle Beach State Park. Saltwater aquariums, live reptiles and fun, interactive natural history displays help visitors of all ages understand the significance of the park. A backyard wildlife habitat complete with bird feeders, bird houses, bird baths, water garden containers, nature sculpture and seasonal butterfly garden are available for viewing even when the center is not open. The hours of operation vary seasonally, call (843) 238-0874 for current hours. Engaging and educational programs for the general public are offered 11 months of the year to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our natural resources and state parks and preserving coastal habitat for future generations. Contact the nature center, check out the “Park Programs” or “What’s New” sections of the park’s webpage for the current program schedule. Teachers: engage your students to learn beyond the classroom! The park offers Discover Carolina (www.discovercarolina.com) – a hands on, curriculum based school field experience complete with both pre- and post-activities to help enhance your student’s experience.