I’m grateful to be named after a true American hero, Brig. General Francis Marion. Did you know he was a farmer prior to dedicating his shrewd leadership abilities to the Patriot’s cause? I decided to see what life might have been like for him and the early settlers of South Carolina by visiting Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark. Known for its beautiful landscaped gardens, you must also see the plantation stableyards and the still remaining Middleton Place House Museum, built in 1755 as gentlemen’s guest quarters. The house is the only surviving portion of the three-building residential complex that once stood overlooking the Ashley River.
I visited during Plantation Days and mingled with candle makers, blacksmiths, rice and cotton processors, cooking and coopering demonstrators, and learned all about lowcountry plantation life at harvest time. I really loved seeing all the domestic animals that worked and lived among the craftspeople of the time.
This Thanksgiving, while I’m enjoying my abundant feast at the Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, I’ll think about the hardships and sacrifices of the colonists and early Americans and remember to give thanks for this great country of ours. Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends!