Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site

Tucked into the rolling countryside of Union County, Rose Hill Plantation preserves one of South Carolina’s most significant antebellum estates across its 44 acres. This was the home of William Henry Gist, South Carolina’s “Secession Governor,” who signed the state’s Ordinance of Secession in 1860 — making Rose Hill a place where American history pivoted dramatically.

The centerpiece is the meticulously restored 1828 plantation house, a Federal-style mansion with original heart-pine floors, period furnishings, and wide porches overlooking the grounds. Guided tours walk you through the home’s rooms while unpacking the complex history of the people who lived and labored here, including the enslaved workers whose stories the site increasingly works to tell.

Beyond the main house, visitors can explore the formal gardens, nature trails winding through hardwood forests, and several original outbuildings that paint a fuller picture of plantation life. Birdwatching is rewarding here — the mix of open fields and mature timber draws a solid variety of species. Picnic areas make it easy to settle in for an afternoon.

Spring is the ideal time to visit, when the gardens bloom and temperatures stay comfortable for walking the grounds. Fall offers beautiful foliage against the historic architecture. Summer visits are doable but hot — plan for mornings.

Rose Hill works best as a half-day stop, particularly if you’re exploring the Upcountry region. It pairs well with nearby stops along SC-49 for a full day of South Carolina history and scenery.

Explore Nearby

• I-26 Scenic Highway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Western York County Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
• Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in North Carolina
• Bunker Hill Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina
• Pisgah National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina