Somerset Place is a representative state historic site offering a comprehensive and realistic view of 19th-century life on a large North Carolina plantation. Originally, this unusual plantation included more than 100,000 densely wooded, mainly swampy acres bordering the five-by-eight mile Lake Phelps, in present-day Washington County. During its 80 years as an active plantation (1785-1865), hundreds of acres were converted into high yielding fields of rice, corn, oats, wheat, beans, peas, and flax; sophisticated sawmills turned out thousands of feet of lumber. By 1865, Somerset Place was one of the upper South's largest plantations. Continued
The Site
- The Site Today
- The Lake Company and the Origins of Somerset
- Plat Map
- Grounds Map
- Excavations
- Artifacts
- Somerset Homecoming
- Hands-On Educational Program
- Other Websites
History
Slavery
Civil War
People
Features
Historic:
- Lake Chapel
- Enslaved Community Kitchen Complex
- The Colony House
- Dairy
- Salting House
- Smokehouse
- Kitchen Rations
- Kitchen / Laundry
- Josiah Collins III Family Home
Reconstructed:
Grounds:
Upcoming
- June 9: Foodways and Flavors
Saturday 10am - 3pm.
Experience a variety of local heritage cuisine and produce native to Washington County and Somerset Place, as we kick-off our summer "Second Saturdays" series. Local farmers and fresh market vendors will display and sell their recipe books, homegrown vegetables, fruits, and other homemade goods. Butter making and heritage cooking demonstrations will be explored. Guided tours will focus on the historic buildings and excavation sites where food was prepared and stored. Admission is free. (Donations are always welcomed, and help us provide programs throughout the year.) For more information, call 252.797.4560, or email somerset@ncdcr.gov. - July 14: Somerset Craftsman's Fair
Saturday 10am - 3pm.
This free, fun, and family-friendly "Second Saturdays" event will offer authentic experiences to all. During the 1840s, the 100,000-acre Somerset Plantation functioned as a self-sufficient community. It was necessary to have a blacksmith, a woodworker, seamstresses, and other craftspeople in the community. Some of those traditional skills will be demonstrated at the Craftsman's Fair by 21st-century artisans, who will display and sell their wares. Potters, carvers, and others whose skills enrich our daily lives will showcase their talents and handiworks. Guided interpretive tours will be offered of the former enslaved community and owner's compound. Somerset's "Made from off the Land" traveling exhibit also will be on display. - August 11: Days Gone By
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Bring your entire family or group for this "Second Saturdays" event, and experience life on a plantation during the 1840s. This fun and educational day will feature hands-on activities with costumed interpreters. Participants can tour the plantation and see historic demonstrations. Period games and activities for young audiences will also be offered. Artists and vendors will be available with artwork and food items for sale. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 252.797.4560, or email somerset@ncdcr.gov.
Somerset Place Information
- Map & Directions
- Somerset Historic Site Map (PDF)
- Eastern Regional Map
- Local Weather
- Facilities
- Special Events
Contact Us
Somerset Place
2572 Lake Shore Road
Creswell, N.C. 27928
Phone: (252) 797-4560
Fax: (252) 797-4171
Email: somerset@ncdcr.gov
Hours of Operation
April 1 through October 31
Tuesday - Saturday--9 a.m.-5 p.m.
November 1 through March 31
Tuesday - Saturday--10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Call ahead for hours of operation for state and federal holidays.
Admission Fee
Admission is free. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
Tours
Allow 90 minutes for orientation and a guided tour of the buildings and grounds. Wear comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing. See Educational Program link for student group tours. Note: The Collins Family Home is currently closed to tours due to construction.