City Directories and History: Gravel Hill Plantation is important not only as an example of Greek Revival architecture, but also as one of the few remaining plantations of the Buddenville area. In the first half of the nineteenth century Buddenville was a “region inhabited by large planters and land owners where wealth, affluence, culture and high standards of living were reflected in palatial homes and surroundings. Gravel Hill is one of the few structures in the Buddenville area that was not destroyed during the Civil War. Gravel Hill is a two-story white frame Greek Revival structure set upon a raised basement. Benjamin Lawton Willingham constructed this one-time plantation between 1857 and 1859. A gable roof and a one-story portico, which is supported by four wooden square columns, characterize the front façade. Wooden balustrades both enclose and top the portico. A balustraded piazza with five small columns extends along the east façade. A raised terrace connecting the front portico and side piazza was added ca. 1900, and the foundation was enclosed with cement ca. 1955. Two small wings have also been added to the building. The property also includes a two-story frame smokehouse. Listed in the National Register May 28, 1976. [Courtesy of the SC Dept. of Archives and History]
Stay Connected
Explore history, houses, and stories across S.C. Your membership provides you with updates on regional topics, information on historic research, preservation, and monthly feature articles. But remember R&R wants to hear from you and assist in preserving your own family genealogy and memorabilia.
Visit the Southern Queries – Forum to receive assistance in answering questions, discuss genealogy, and enjoy exploring preservation topics with other members. Also listed are several history and genealogical researchers for hire.
User comments welcome — post at the bottom of this page.
Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.
Do you have information to share and preserve? Family, school, church, or other older photos and stories are welcome. Send them digitally through the “Share Your Story” link, so they too might be posted on Roots and Recall.
Thanks!
User comments always welcome - please post at the bottom of this page.
Share Your Comments & Feedback: