Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina
View in Magnolia Gardens
As beautiful as it is , the history of Magnolia is even more interesting:
Seeking their fortunes in America, Thomas Drayton and his son Thomas,Jr. boarded the ship "Willing Wind" in 1676 and headed for the New World.
Their original destination was Barbados, as sugar plantations had sprung up all over the Caribbean and West Indies. Men who were willing to gamble were becoming wealthy overnight. At that time the popultation of Barbados had exploded to make it the most densely populated portion of the British Empire, however by the time the Draytons reached Barbados,most of the land had been taken.
Forcing them to look elsewhere,they finally decided on the Carolinas, in particular Charles Towne and the low country surrounding it.
Soon after arriving, Stephen Fox , another Barbadian purchased land along the Ashley River next to the Draytons, which he named Magnolia Gardens. In consequence, Thomas Drayton Jr. married Stephen Fox's daughter, Ann, and thus began a long 300 year family ownership of Magnolia Gardens.
The Drayton family became one of the most affluent in the colonies, and were actively involved in the foundation of our country. They lived lives either in the Military as officers, as Clergy ,or as gentlemen planters, which gave them ample time and means to pursue service in government.
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