Hopsewee Plantation

On this day in 1775, the First Provincial Congress of South Carolina ordered the formation of a military force to defend the colony against hostile actions by the British military.
Two regiments of foot (infantry) of 750 soldiers each and one regiment of rangers of 450 men “…were to be officered, raised, paid, and disciplined, and put under the direction of Congress.”
These three regiments would serve in the defense of Charles Town in 1776, see action in 1779 at the Siege of Savannah and be part of the garrison of Charles Town surrendered when the city was captured by the British in 1780.
The indigo blue uniforms and the crescent emblems on the hats of these Revolutionary units would later become key elements of the SC state flag.
Come visit us at Hopsewee Plantation.
We have so much History to Share🇺🇸

Today, we pause to remember and honour the brave men and women who took part in D-Day on June 6, 1944. This pivotal moment in history marked the beginning of the end of World War II, and it was their courage, determination, and sacrifice that paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Thousands of soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy, facing unimaginable odds and showing unparalleled bravery. Their actions were not just a testament to their strength, but also a reflection of their unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and justice.
As we commemorate this day, let us reflect on the sacrifices made and express our deepest gratitude to those who fought valiantly. Their legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to stand up for what is right and just.
We owe our D-Day heroes a debt that can never be repaid. Let us honor their memory by cherishing the freedoms they fought to protect and by ensuring that their stories of valor and sacrifice are never forgotten🇺🇸
Come visit us at Hopsewee Plantation.
We have so much History to Share🇺🇸

Welcome to Hopsewee Plantation’s Historical Museum- be sure to visit the Museum when you’re here!
Today we feature a Mystery- The Case
of the Counterfeit Hibernia Half Penny.
Here we have two fine examples of a King George III Hibernia (Irish) half penny. The coin at left is dated 1781; and the coin at right, 1782. Both coins were found here at Hopsewee in the area of the Craftsman Village.
What’s the difference; inquiring minds want to know?! The difference is the 1781 coin is a counterfeit! Note the difference in the thickness as shown in the third photograph.
At Hopsewee Plantation we have recovered as many counterfeit British half pennies as real pennies! History tells us that large amounts of counterfeit coinage traveled South after the Civil War; those imposters were used nonetheless due to the lack of coinage available at that time.

“Coinage specifically for Ireland was minted under Kings George II and George III. Consisting of both halfpennies and farthings, these coins were made in London at the Royal Mint and shipped to Ireland to be placed in circulation. The forgery of copper coins was a lucrative business and there was a high demand for coins in circulation. A large number of contemporary counterfeits of Irish halfpennies were made.
The standard of workmanship in the contemporary forgeries varies greatly; some specimens being as well made as the official Royal Mint pieces and others being very poorly executed and obviously much lighter and thinner. Both counterfeits and official coins made their way to America and circulated in the colonial economy.”
(per New York Historical Society)
Come visit us at Hopsewee Plantation.
We have so much History to Share!🇺🇸

We were introduced to the Widow Jenkins by our friends in the Brittons Neck Regiment of Militia, here at Hopsewee Plantation!
The Militia will be back at Hopsewee on June 12th, 13th, and 27th!
Come visit all of us at Hopsewee Plantation!
We have so much History to Share🇺🇸

Meet the remarkable "Widow" Jenkins (1741–1825), one of the P*e Dee region's most fearless Patriot women during the American Revolution! 🇺🇸

Twice widowed and the mother of seven children, Elizabeth Jenkins endured unimaginable sacrifices for American independence. By 1780, with three of her sons serving under General Francis Marion, British and Tory forces repeatedly raided her property in Britton's Neck, destroying livestock and stealing food.

When British Lt. Colonel John Watson occupied her home and questioned her loyalty, Widow Jenkins boldly declared:

💬 “It is the King who has rebelled against us, and not we against the King.”

When asked how many sons she had serving with Marion, she proudly replied:

💬 “Three. I only wish they were three thousand!”

Not finished, she later outwitted Watson in a famous exchange of toasts—first drinking to King George, then compelling the British officer to drink a toast to George Washington! 🍷🇺🇸

Before the war ended, Elizabeth lost sons and nephews to the cause she so passionately defended, but her courage and unwavering devotion to liberty secured her place in South Carolina history.

❤️ A true Revolutionary heroine whose story deserves to be remembered. 🇺🇸

"Widow Jenkins" is profiled by her son in his memoir, “Experience, Labours, and Sufferings of Reverend James Jenkins” (State Commercial Print. Company, 1958.)

JENKINS, ELIZABETH DUPREE BRITTON GODDARD
Ancestor #: A062052
Service: SOUTH CAROLINA
Rank: PATRIOTIC SERVICE
Birth: 1741 CRAVEN CO SOUTH CAROLINA
Death: 1806 BRITTONS NECK MARION DIST SOUTH CAROLINA
Service Source: JENKINS, EXPERIENCE, LABOURS & SUFFERINGS OF REV JAMES JENKINS, P 25
Service Description: SUFFERED DEPREDATION
Residence: GEORGETOWN DIST SOUTH CAROLINA
Spouse: 1) WILLIAM GODDARD; 2) SAMUEL JENKINS

The Blue Savannah - Swamp Fox Chapter, NSDAR selected Elizabeth Dupre Britton Goddard Jenkins, known in local history as the Widow Jenkins, as its 2012 Outstanding Woman in American History.

A memorial recognizing the heroism of Elizabeth Dupre Britton Goddard Jenkins during the Revolutionary War was erected in 1975 by the Doctor Henry Woodward Chapter, S.C. Society Daughters of the American Colonists at the entrance to Bethlehem Methodist Cemetery in Bishopville, South Carolina.

*eDeeHistory

Disclaimer: This image was created using artificial intelligence. This series is intended to highlight female Patriots and their stories. In many cases, there is no image of the heroine or a primary source to document the story. These stories have survived for almost 250 years, and we are telling them to keep them alive with images similar to those used for historical fiction book covers, Hollywood representations, and children's literature. They are not intended to be mistaken for the actual historical figures. See less

We took the opportunity to visit the Charleston Museum last Friday for the final days of the Eliza Lucas Pinckney exhibition.
We learned a lot about the curation of fabrics and a little bit about sericulture. For history geeks like us, it was like seeing your favorite rock star from front row seats🤣
The dress, fashioned with silk produced at Charles Pinckney’s Belmont Plantation, did not disappoint! Since the dress was displayed flat, under glass, we were able to get really close to study it. It’s amazing how the silk has held on to the beautiful colors, and the fabric hasn’t frayed.
What’s always intrigued us are the hemlines of these gorgeous gowns. Weren’t they usually frayed and dirty from being dragged through dirt and gravel (and God knows what else!)?
Take a peek at this portion of the hem; it’s been cleaned but it’s clear that it’s been dragged about a bit. ♥️
Come visit us at Hopsewee Plantation!
We have so much History to Share🇺🇸

Have you ever wondered what became of the plantations that weren’t bulldozed to create residential communities?
One smart solution was that multiple properties were consolidated and forever protected from development!
Starting in the early 1900’s, many wealthy investors followed the examples of the Baruchs and the Huntingtons on the Waccamaw Neck, saving former plantations from development by consolidating contiguous properties and creating private retreats for their friends and families.
These mostly Northern investors created a huge boost to our local economies by hiring only local workers as they restored and added structures to the previously deserted plantations. Permanent jobs were created for property managers and many other types of workers. Generations of local families secured employment through these newly-created properties.
The Baruchs created safe spaces for local wildlife while fostering education in the newly recognized field of “ environmental studies” at the renamed Hobcaw Barony.
The Huntingtons created more safe habitats while fostering the Arts through Mrs. Huntington’s personal works and the creation of studio spaces for her artist friends at what’s known today as Brookgreen Gardens.
Here on the Santee Delta, the Santee Gun Club was organized in 1898 by Captain Hugh R. Garden. Twelve Santee Delta plantations were combined into the Gun Club property, and a clubhouse was constructed of local materials using all local labor.
Membership was limited to thirty wealthy northern sportsmen, including honorary member President Grover Cleveland, who very famously came to hunt and fish. The attached photo features a hunter proudly displaying doves draped over a car at The Santee Gun Club.
In 1974 the Nature Conservancy acquired the Santee Gun Club land from the club members and donated it to the state, forever protecting it from development.
Today the property functions as The Santee Coastal Reserve, a public Wildlife Management Area offering managed hunts, birdwatching, and hiking. It’s closely managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the Nature Conservancy.
In our opinion, (and known locally), in addition to its beauty, the Reserve is famous as THE place to interact with every species of mosquito and biting insect known to man and woman.😂
Come visit us at Hopsewee Plantation!
We have so much History to Share🇺🇸

Wow! What an opportunity to learn from this 300+ year old churchyard! Don’t miss this!