Frampton Plantation, Yemassee, SC

The Frampton House property was an original grant from the King of England to the Frampton family in the 1700's.   On October 21, 1862, during the Civil War, The Battle of Pocotaligo was fought on this site.  A Union force of over 4000 soldiers marched, determined to destroy the Charleston and Savannah Railroad supply lines, in hopes of crippling the Confederate War effort.  Word went out and General Beauregard sent Confederate artillery pieces, cavalry and the 11th South Carolina Volunteers and Sharpshooters...only 450 men to face the Union's 4000 plus.

General Robert E. Lee had slaves dig a series of trenches behind the plantation house, earning him the nickname "King of Spades".  This strategic effort helped the Confederates defeat the Union advance and save the railroad and river transit system.  Some of these trenches can still be seen behind the house, as pictured below.  An outstanding Confederate victory was shortlived.

Mounds are what remain of the trenches.

In 1865, General Sherman's troops in their March to the Sea, burned the plantation house and all the farm buildings.  In 1868, John Frampton rebuilt the present farmhouse and continued to work the land.  The house is now a historic site and a visitors welcome center.  This house was within walking distance of our RV park in Yemassee.

Not a real alligator but they are sure around.  Them and snakes too.  I'm NOT even going to mention all the dang nats, skeeters, noseeums, blood sucking pests....no, I won't mention them at all.

The interior of the house is only open on the ground floor.  The second floor is not open to the public.  It is used as offices for the visitor's center.  The rooms on the ground floor are original but house a gift shop.

Beautiiful woodwork.

This is a model of the Hunley, the first Civil War submarine to sink a Union ship.  It too disappeared during the war and was found off the coast of Charleston in 2000 and raised.  It is in a museum that was only open on weekends so we hope to see it.

Around the corner, along US 17 we visited this Historic Country Store.  Actually I think it was a gas station at one time so I can't attest to the historical significance of this building.  But they sure had the cider inside.

Hundreds of jugs of cider, jams, spices, goodies and t-shirts.

Front of a great t-shirt.

I do love grits!  Well that's it for the Frampton Plantation.  I have many more blogs to catch up on.  Thanks for visiting and be sure to come back soon.