Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Drayton Hall
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Drayton Family
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
1. Drayton Hall Marker
Drayton Hall. Seat of the Drayton family for seven generations, this land was acquired in 1738 by John Drayton (c. 1759~1779) as the center of his extensive indigo and rice planting ventures. One of the finest examples of Georgian Palladian architecture in America, this is the only surviving colonial plantation house on the Ashley River.
Drayton Family This distinguished South Carolina family included among its members William Henry Drayton (1742-1779), Revolutionary War patriot, chief justice of South Carolina, member of Continental Congress; Dr. Charles Drayton (1767-1822), governor of South Carolina 1800-1802, 1808-1812.
Erected 1984 by South Carolina Department of Archives and History; sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. (Marker Number 10-14.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the South Carolina Historical Markers series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1738.
Location. 32° 51.88′ N, 80° 4.967′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is on 3380 Ashley River Road (SC-61), on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Sacred Place (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Royal Judge John Drayton (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Rev. John G. Drayton (approx. 0.7 miles away); Magnolia Plantation (approx. 0.7 miles away); Excursion Up the Ashley (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Magnolia Houses (approx. 0.8 miles away); Henry Woodward (approx. 0.8 miles away); Magnolia at War (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.
Regarding Drayton Hall / Drayton Family. Drayton Hall is a National Historic Landmark and a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. After seven generations, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and numerous hurricanes and earthquakes, the main house remains in nearly original condition. Built between 1738 and 1742, the entire site serves as a testimony to America's heritage. Drayton Hall is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is open to the public daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Years Day. For more information, visit the Drayton Hall web site.
Also see . . .
1. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960
Photographed by Mike Stroud, November 15, 2008
2. Drayton Hall Marker, along Ashley River Road
2. Drayton Hall website. (Submitted on November 30, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
3. Ashley River Historic Corridor. (Submitted on October 26, 2024, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Mike Stroud, November 15, 2008
3. Entrance to Drayton Hall and Marker
Photographed by Wikipedia
4. Drayton Hall
Historic American Buildings Survey, Louis Schwartz, December 1973
5. Drayton Hall southwest facade, landside
Historic American Engineering Record ,HABS SC,10-CHAR.V,8-4
Historic American Buildings Survey, Louis Schwartz, December 1973
6. Drayton Hall northeast facade, riverside
Historic American Engineering Record ,HABS SC,10-CHAR.V,8-1
Historic American Buildings Survey, Louis Schwartz, December 1973
7. Drayton Hall first floor fireplace and mantle
Historic American Engineering Record ,HABS SC,10-CHAR.V,8-9
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division - Frances Benjamin Johnston, 1937
8. Drayton Hall
Call Number: LC-J7-SC- 1352
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,832 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 26, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 20, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8. submitted on January 3, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
