Slavery – Plantation Life
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
Slavery
Civil War
Historic:
Reconstructed:
Grounds:
Many visitors report trouble using GPS navigation when driving here. We suggest taking exit 558 from highway US64. Then simply follow the signs to Somerset Place. (Lat: 35.789148/Long:-76.403627)
Somerset Place State Historic Site is actively recruiting volunteers to help at the site. Various opportunities are available, including events, visitor services, and site grounds assistance. All interested individuals are encouraged to complete an application, or call the site at (252) 797-4560 for more information on the volunteer program.
Somerset Place
2572 Lake Shore Road
Creswell, N.C. 27928
Phone: (252) 797-4560
Fax: (252) 797-4171
Email: somerset@ncdcr.gov
Tuesday - Saturday 9 am - 5 pm
Call ahead for hours of operation for state and federal holidays.
Admission is free. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
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.