SC National Heritage Corridor

Redcliffe State Historic Site

Completed in 1859, Redcliffe’s Greek-Revival mansion was the home of James Henry Hammond and 3 generations of his descendants. Hammond, whose political career included terms as a U.S. Congressman, governor of South Carolina, and a U.S. Senator, was perhaps best known during his lifetime as an outspoken defender of slavery and states’ rights. It was Hammond who coined the phrase “Cotton is King” in an 1858 speech to the Senate. Today, tours of Redcliffe’s historic house museum and special programs focusing on such topics as the African-American history of the site offer visitors unique insight into the history of South Carolina. Redcliffe Plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.