Midway Plantation

National Register Listing

Street Address:

S of Fort Motte off U.S. 601 (Calhoun County)

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817709010

Description and Narrative:

William Russell Thomson (1761-1807) built the original Midway Plantation, probably ca. 1785, although little of this structure remains. Midway was so named because it was located between Belleville, the family home of William Russell Thomson, and Bellbroughton, owned by Mrs. Thomson’s father. After Thomson’s death the plantation became the property of his son, Charles Robert Thompson. While the house was built much earlier, the present façade was not added until later, ca. 1859. The present Midway is a two-story antebellum frame building with both Greek Revival and Federal influences. The front façade features a pediment and a two-tiered portico with four Tuscan columns on both levels. Each level features a central entranceway with three-paneled sidelights, semi-circular fanlights, and flanking pilasters topped by an entablature. The rear wing and porch were added around 1900. The vestiges of a landscaped garden featuring camellias, magnolias, and cedars surround Midway Plantation. This site is also significant as having been the past residence of prominent figures, particularly from the prominent Thomson family, in the military, political and social history of South Carolina and both Calhoun and Orangeburg counties for more than 170 years. Listed in the National Register May 28, 1976.

Period of Significance:

1879;19th century;20th century

Level of Significance:

Local

Area of Significance:

Architecture;Agriculture;Politics/Government

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

May 28 1976

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