Press Gallery
Main House
The cast plaster ceiling in Drayton Hall’s great hall dates back to the mid-19th century.
Drayton Hall, c.1738, is one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in the country.
A view of Drayton Hall, c. 1738, through the branches of an aged oak tree.
Mahogany wainscot, balusters, handrails, and brackets featuring lotus and squash blossoms adorn Drayton Hall's stair hall.
The withdrawing room features one of the only original hand-carved plaster ceilings that remain in the United States.
Drayton Hall's great hall features intricate carvings in yellow poplar and a 19th-century cast plaster ceiling.
The Grounds
Drayton Hall offers two self-guided nature walks along the Ashley River and salt marshes.
The Ashley River, a state scenic river, at sunset.
A view of the Ashley River, a state scenic river.
Weddings
A private evening reception at Drayton Hall.
African-American History
A sketch of the house Richmond Bowens (1908-1998) lived in as a child. Mr. Bowens was the descendant of enslaved Africans who lived and worked at Drayton Hall.
Richmond Bowens with his mother Anna and aunt Harriet May.
School Programs
A fourth grader practices using a fanner basket after learning about rice cultivation during A Day in the Life of a Plantation.
During A Day in the Life of a Plantation, students learn about the range of work completed by enslaved people, including blacksmithing and coopering.
Students examine the uniforms of soldiers who fought on both sides during the American Revolution.
Students learn how to conduct archaeological excavations during Archaeologist for a Day.
Holiday Celebrations
Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers perform a capella during the annual Spirituals Concerts in December.
Traditional greenery decorates the portico during the holiday season.
Special Events
A torch-lit path from the Ashley River during the annual Candlelight Concerts.
A special evening reception.
Historical Photos
C. 1880, this photograph shows Drayton Hall's main house along with its two flanker buildings.
Around 1900, the Draytons created a reflecting pond by excavating a former irrigation ditch on the land-front lawn.
A view to the Ashley River, c. 1891.
Post-Civil War riverfront view of Drayton Hall. After sitting vacant during the war, ivy and brush covered the house. (Unidentified man.)
Post-Civil War landfront view of Drayton Hall. Years of neglect are apparent in the missing pediment, broken windows, and corn growing up to the portico. (Unidentified people.)
