Near Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Brookgreen Plantation
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 22, 2015
1. Brookgreen Plantation Marker, Side 1
Joshua John Ward was active in the Winyah and All Saints Agricultural Society and was noted for his development of long-grain rice. He would become among the wealthiest planters in the nation. In 1850 Ward’s plantations, including Brookgreen, yielded 3,900,000 pounds of rice on land cultivated by 1,092 enslaved laborers. Ward and his descendants lived here until 1938.
Erected 2014 by National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, Chicora Chapter. (Marker Number 22-60.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1711.
Location. 33° 31.085′ N, 79° 5.757′ W. Marker is near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Washington Allston (a few steps from this marker); Washington’s Visit (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Alston (within shouting distance of this marker); Theodosia Burr Alston (within shouting distance of this marker); Brookgreen Gardens (approx. ¼ mile away); Joseph & Theodosia Burr Alston (approx. 1.1 miles away); An Ancient Tool for a Modern Task (approx. 1.8 miles away); The World is My Oyster (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murrells Inlet.
Also see . . . Brookgreen Gardens Wikipedia Entry. “Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, located just south of Murrells Inlet, in South Carolina. The 9,100-acre property includes several themed gardens with American figurative sculptures placed in them, the Lowcountry Zoo, and trails through several ecosystems in nature reserves on the property. It was founded by Archer Milton Huntington, stepson of railroad magnate Collis Potter
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 22, 2015
2. Brookgreen Plantation Marker, Side 2
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 22, 2015
3. Brookgreen Plantation Marker, Side 1
Brookgreen Sculpture Gardens Welcome Center is in the background.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 22, 2015
4. Brookgreen Plantation Marker
Brookgreen Sculpture Gardens Gift Shop in in the background.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, February 22, 2015
5. Brookgreen Plantation House Site, Now a Raised Pond and Fountain with Sculpture
The Waccamaw River, from where visitors would arrive until the 20th century, is behind the photographer so this would be the front of the house. The two circular stones on either side of the path are rice millstones.
A small museum card at the pond reads: “The original house was probably built by William Allston (c. 1738–1781) around 1764. It was a two-story, colonial design with a pair of chimneys built on the exterior walls, a central hallway, and four rooms on each floor. Allston’s widow, Rachel, married Dr. Henry Collins Flagg in 1784 and they lived here until 1799. Joshua Ward purchased the property in 1800 and his son, Joshua John Ward (1800–1853) was born here. J. J. Ward was the wealthiest of the Georgetown rice planters, owning eight plantations and receiving awards for rice cultivation. He enlarged the house, adding wings on each side of the original structure, a ballroom, and a wine cellar. The house burned in 1901.”
The pond is lined with latticed brick interrupted by brick-framed stone. The center stone on this photograph is inscribed: “This fountain occupies the site of the original house which was burned in 1901. A subsequent modern structure which replaced it has been removed. It serves as the main reservoir for the distribution of water to all points of the garden.”
The Italian marble sculpture at the far end of the pond is titled “Alligator Bender” by Nathaniel Choate (1899–1965). It was carved in 1937.
A small museum card at the pond reads: “The original house was probably built by William Allston (c. 1738–1781) around 1764. It was a two-story, colonial design with a pair of chimneys built on the exterior walls, a central hallway, and four rooms on each floor. Allston’s widow, Rachel, married Dr. Henry Collins Flagg in 1784 and they lived here until 1799. Joshua Ward purchased the property in 1800 and his son, Joshua John Ward (1800–1853) was born here. J. J. Ward was the wealthiest of the Georgetown rice planters, owning eight plantations and receiving awards for rice cultivation. He enlarged the house, adding wings on each side of the original structure, a ballroom, and a wine cellar. The house burned in 1901.”
The pond is lined with latticed brick interrupted by brick-framed stone. The center stone on this photograph is inscribed: “This fountain occupies the site of the original house which was burned in 1901. A subsequent modern structure which replaced it has been removed. It serves as the main reservoir for the distribution of water to all points of the garden.”
The Italian marble sculpture at the far end of the pond is titled “Alligator Bender” by Nathaniel Choate (1899–1965). It was carved in 1937.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,669 times since then and 243 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 23, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
