The Land Across the River

Sometimes Preservation is about What You Don't See

Imagine standing at the foot of Drayton Hall, looking down the allee toward the Ashley River. Now imagine that instead of seeing marsh grasses and trees on the opposite bank, you see a shopping plaza and high rise condominiums.

Back in 1994, a parcel of land came up for sale. It was located directly across the Ashley River from Drayton Hall and part of the former Ashley Wood Plantation purchased by John Drayton in 1758 and sold at some point in the late 18th century. The land was zoned for development at 22 units per acre. There were 25 acres for sale.

Thanks to a lead gift from Mrs. Robert A. Kennedy of Cincinnati and gifts from over 1,000 supporters in 39 states, Drayton Hall was able to purchase the land that December, and the owner donated additional acreage along the marsh to ensure the protection of Drayton Hall’s historic viewshed in perpetuity.

The following year, the National Trust and the Friends of Drayton Hall raised enough additional funds to enable the purchase of 17 additional forested acres, adjacent to the land purchased the year before. As before, the seller donated adjacent land, and the “Land Across the River” campaign was complete.

Hot Issues From mega-developments to zoning changes and legislative debates—including Watson Hill and Regulatory Takings — learn more about the most pressing issues facing the Ashley River Region and what you can do to support preservation of this special area whether you live in the Charleston area or across the country. Learn More About the Issues

Thanks to the National Trust and donors from across the country, the land across the Ashley River will never be developed. A computer-enhanced image generated at the time of the land's sale illustrates how the land might have looked had it been developed at 22 units per acre.