Carol's Corner Office

Yesterday we visited Magnolia Plantation which is the only plantation in Charleston that is still owned by the same family. What a beautiful place!  And so full of history.  It made me sad though to walk through the tiny little rooms underneath the plantation which used to be the quarters for the “help” which is a euphanism for slaves. The plantation was once owned by the Reverend Drayton who under the guise of teaching religion, taught the three R’s to the children of the slaves.  It makes one wonder why he would continue to keep slaves on his plantation when he clearly had enough insight to teach the children to read and write.  I suppose he thought he was being very benevolent at the time. 

The gardens on the plantation are absolutely beautiful – even today.  The plantation sits on fifty acres of property along with the lovely gardens. We followed all the path markers and some of them were along the Ashley River which was a stunning view.  We also saw the swamp complete with an alligator sunning itself on a rock – just a bit too close for comfort in my estimation!  We also saw lots of peacocks and other pretty birds I had not seen before then.

After that, we went to Kaiwa Island and took a look around.  I don’t think I would ever get tired of looking at the spanish moss swaying in the trees when a breeze blows.  Here is an interesting bit of trivia for you – the spanish moss is not spanish in origin and actually has a latin name which I cannot not remember, but it is called spanish moss because the locals thought it reminded them of the beards sported by Spaniards at the time.  I actually bought a photo done by a local artist of the moss hanging from the trees – so lovely.

We have now been in Savannah a half day or less and I loved it as soon as we arrived.  It is a much more genteel city than Charlotte, just a bit more refined and friendly.  Don’t get me wrong – I liked Charleston, but I really love Savannah.  I will post more once I have seen more of the city. I am very eager to learn as much history as I can while we are here.