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
Special GPS Notice
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)
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.
Call for Volunteers!
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 call the site at (252) 797-4560 for more information on the volunteer program.
Upcoming Events
- October 21:
Fall Crafts and Crop Day
Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm
Come and experience fun, food, arts and crafts at this fall event. Corn was a major staple and cash crop at Somerset Place when it was an active plantation. Join in hands-on activities to make corn crafts, compete in a corn-hole game, sample corn products, or engage in a corn processing food demonstration. Learn about the history of Somerset Place while engaging in a guided tour of the plantation. Somerset's popular cornbread recipe and mix will be sold. Local artists and vendors will sell their artwork, crafts, and food items.
Admission: Adults $4, Children $2. - December 3:
Christmas Open House
Sunday, 1 - 4 pm
Tis the Season! Explore, enjoy, and experience the Christmas season at Somerset Place. Visitors will be inspired by traditional holiday decorations of fresh greenery, natural and floral arrangements on display that will adorn the exterior and interior of the plantation buildings. Enjoy Christmas music, share a tasty sampling of open hearth-cooked black-eyed peas and cornbread cooked by Historic Interpreters; sip hot spiced tea and delight yourself in homemade desserts. For younger audiences, jolly Saint Nicholas will visit from 2- 4 pm in the Collins House. All the site buildings will be open for self-guided tours. The program is free and will capture the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas. Donations are welcome.
Somerset Place Information
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.