Arcadia Plantation
National Register Listing
Street Address:
5 mi. (8 km) E of Georgetown off U.S. 17, Georgetown, SC City Vicinity (Georgetown County)
Alternate Name:
Prospect Hill Plantation
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817722012
Description and Narrative:
(Prospect Hill Plantation) The history of Arcadia Plantation dates from the 18th century when it was known as Prospect Hill and was the seat of a large productive rice plantation. Prospect Hill was one of many Georgetown County rice plantations which together eventually led the nation in rice production. Arcadia is also significant as having been the residence of three families—the Allstons, Hugers, and Wards—who were actively involved in the political and social affairs of the state. Prospect Hill became “Arcadia” ca. 1906 when Dr. Isaac E. Emerson bought the property and added several neighboring plantations to his holdings. The main portion of the house was built ca. 1794 (Federal period) as a two-story clapboard structure set upon a raised brick basement. Arcadia is noted in the nomination as a late example of the Georgian style as influenced by Palladio, with Adamesque interior embellishments. The two flanking wings were added in the early twentieth century. A series of terraced gardens extend from the front of the house toward the Waccamaw River. Evidence indicates that the gardens at Prospect Hill were begun between ca. 1794 and ca. 1837. Near the rear of the house is a large two-story guest house (ca. 1910). Also located at the rear are tennis courts, a bowling alley, and stables constructed of brick from demolished plantation houses in the area. To the north of the house are five tenant houses and a frame church which also has been brick veneered. The property also contains two cemeteries and other plantation-related outbuildings. Listed in the National Register January 13, 1978.
Period of Significance:
1794
Level of Significance:
National
Area of Significance:
Landscape Architecture;Agriculture;Architecture;Politics/Government
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
January 3 1978
