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:
Resources
Upcoming Events
- June 8: Somerset Days Gone By
Saturday 10 am - 3 pm
Bring your entire family or group for this free event, and experience life on a plantation during the 1840's. This fun-filled and educational day will feature hands-on historic activities with costumed interpreters. Tour the plantation buildings and grounds; see historic demonstrations, and more. Period games and activities for young audiences will be offered. Artists and vendors will be available with artwork and food items for sale to the general public.
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
Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
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.