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
What's New
- Looking for a memorable venue for your wedding or event? Select locations at Somerset Place are available for that special occasion. Contact Karen Hayes at (252) 797-4560 to discuss your needs.
Upcoming Events
- December 1:
Christmas Open House
Sunday 1 - 4 pm
Experience the simple pleasures of an old-fashioned Christmas, as traditional holiday decorations of fresh greenery adorn the site. Enjoy music of the season on a self-guided tour, and a complimentary sampling of hearth-cooked black-eyed peas, served with buttery "Somerset cornbread". A variety of homemade seasonal sweets and hot spice tea will also be served. Admission is free, and open to the 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.