Hampton Plantation (McClellanville, SC)
Much of Archibald's early life was spent hiking, hunting and fishing the wilds of the South Carolina lowcountry. His family lived on Hampton Plantation, a large estate with miles of untamed wilderness. Young Archie's adventures included being chased by the "wicked" bull Abel and being circled by a shark while stuck in the mud of Tiger Creek.

Hampton Plantation was also a place of history - George Washington once had breakfast there, and Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox," had used the house as a hideout. With its history and natural surroundings, the lowcountry of South Carolina was an inspiring place for a poet to grow up.

Built by French Huguenots circa 1735 and visited by George Washington in 1791, Hampton Plantation was last home to Archibald Rutledge, author and state poet laureate. Rutledge left Hampton mansion and plantation to the state, knowing that his ancestral home would be meticulously maintained as Hampton Plantation State Park. Located 16 miles south of Georgetown on Hwy 17.

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site (843-546-9361) is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Monday, November through April.