Hampton Plantation Historical Site: Tucked away in the remote last vestiges of a colonial-era rice plantation, Hampton Plantation State Historic site is both bucolic and evocative. The plantations 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 on 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 visited the Horry family in 1791. A historical kitchen building, huge live oaks, camelia gardens and archaeological sites also tell the story of Lowcountry rice culture.
ABOUT THE LOCATION
The cache is hidden in the Hampton Plantation Historical site, located off HWY 17, 16 miles south of Georgetown. After crossing the two (2), Santee River bridges, turn right at the first intersection onto Rutledge Rd. Go two miles and the park entrance will be on the right. The park is great for biking, fishing, hiking, interpretive trails, park store and gift shop and outdoor picnic area. Grounds are free, but there is an admission charge for the house tour. The park is open 9-6 April thru Oct., and 9-5 Nov. thru Mar. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
ABOUT THE CACHE
It is a small lock n lock, hidden in traditional fashion. Rating is 1.5/2.0, as it is an easy hide, and a fairly flat easy walking trail. There is an unactivated travel bug for the FTF.