Middleton Place/Arthur Middleton

These famous gardens were laid out about 1741 by Henry Middleton (1717-84), President of Continental Congress. His son, Arthur, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, lived here as did his son Henry (1770-1846), Governor of S.C. and Minister to Russia, who introduced the camellias. His son William (1809-83) planted the first azaleas. The original residence was looted and burned by Federal forces in 1865.

Planter, Patriot, Signer/of the Declaration/of Independence./Born here June 26, 1742, Arthur Middleton, after receiving his education in England, returned to make his home here in 1763. He served in the Commons House of Assembly, the Council of Safety, the Continental Congress, the militia, and the state legislature. He died Jan. 1, 1787, and is buried in the garden here.