South Carolina Parks & Tourism

Candlelight on the Plantation

Step back in time, to the fall of 1860, and join the Gist family as they experience the holiday season at Rose Hill Plantation. During this program, visitors will meet the Overseer, who will explain how the mansion came to be, what the plantation was like, what it grew, and how it operated in the year of Secession. At the front door, visitors will be greeted by Governor & Mrs. Gist, and will be taken on a guided exploration of the Gist mansion, where period-attired interpreters will be in every room, demonstrating and explaining the home as it was in 1860. The entire house will be bathed the soft glow of candlelight. For the first time in the forty-seven year history of the Gist Plantation being a State Park, the home will be open for tours in the evening. Visitors can enjoy period refreshments in the operating kitchen as they reflect on their experience in the past.