Litchfield Plantation

Litchfield Plantation in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, is one of the oldest rice plantations on the Waccamaw River. History The plantation traces its formation to three land grants of 500, 500 and from King George III to Thomas Hepworth, in 1710, 1712 and 1711. The plantation was named "Litchfield" by Peter Simon, with the first reported statement of its existence occurring in his will. The original mansion or "Plantation House" was built in 1740. The most celebrated owner of the plantation was the Tucker Family of Georgetown, South Carolina. The Tucker family originally came to South Carolina from Bermuda. Daniel Tucker was a politician and had three sons. The eldest, John Tucker eventually inherited the plantation and perfected growing methods for rice on the property. By 1850 Litchfield Plantation was producing one million pounds of rice per year. John had 9 sons by 4 wives. Upon the death of John Tucker ownership passed to his son Dr. Henry Massingberd Tucker. Dr. Tucker served as a volunteer with the Confederate Army for four years during the American Civil War. He was also a staunch Episcopalian and when a new church was built had the old All Saints Church dismantled and moved to his property. In order to compel church attendance by the slaves who worked the plantation Dr. Tucker withheld weekly rations of food and tobacco from those slaves who did not attend services. Dr. Tucker was also a sportsman and won many tournaments at the Georgetown Rifle Club.