Rose Hill Plantation State Historical Site - Union, SC - Stately Antebellum

Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site is a plantation home located near \o"Union, South Carolina" Union, South Carolina , along the \o "Tyger River (page does not exist)" Tyger River . The addressis 2677 Sardis Road. Union is in the northern part of the state and isthe county seat. Rose Hill was the home of the 68th Governor of SouthCarolina, William Henry Gist. This site should not be confused for theRose Hill Mansion (Bluffton, South Carolina) that was originally builtby Dr. John Kirk in the 1850s.

Gist began building Rose Hill sometime after 1827. He imported bricks from \o"Switzerland" Switzerland in order to erect the three-story mansion.It was built in the Federal-style of architecture. This style is meant,through its symmetry and balance, to represent the republican andstately ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. It took four years tocomplete Gist's mansion. From its completion to 1860, Gist continued toadd acreage to the property, adding over 6,500 acres during that timeperiod. In 1850, the property carried a value of close to $35,000. Tenyears later, it more than doubled in worth. The original kitchen waslost due to fire damage, but many of the artifacts still remain. Guestscan tour the third floor ballroom. The ballroom was built with twofireplaces so that it could be further used as two bedrooms. Gist'sfamily Bible and personal effects are scattered throughout the mansion.

Using the property as a plantation, both Gist and his son grew cotton as a cash crop. After the family died, the mansion fell into disrepair. The site was acquired from the U.S. Forestry Commission by Clyde Franks, a South Carolinian businessman. Over the next eighteen years, the home underwent renovations. Among these renovations were the additions of stucco over the brick, and the addition of porches on the front and rear of the structure. South Carolina named the area a state park in 1960.

Currently, Rose Hill Historical Site encompasses roughly 40 acres. Guests can tour the mansion and walk through the rose gardens. There is also a hiking trail that leads down to the Tyger River. Close to the house proper is the Gist family cemetery. Gist, his second wife, and his son, William, are all buried at this cemetery. Local legend maintains that Gist's horse was buried next to him. The mansion is located within a collection of boxwoods, rose gardens, and magnolias that were planted by Gist. The area is enclosed by an iron fence. Several buildings, including the carriage house, are also available for touring.

For those interested, there are several ghost stories regarding the site, and odd sightings have been reported on the property.

Daily tours of the mansion are conducted every hour from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Larger groups should call ahead. The tour fee is $4 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-15. The grounds themselves are open every day from 9:00am-6:00pm. A single picnic area is available, and it can be reserved for $35 per day. Weddings and receptions are commonly held on the grounds. Further information can be obtained by calling 864-427-5966.