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
- July 12:
Somerset Days Gone By
Saturday, 11 am - 7 pm
Bring your entire family/group for this 2nd Saturday annual event and experience life on a plantation.This history, fun-filled and educational day will feature hands-on historic activities with costumed interpreters. Tours of the plantation homes, outbuildings, and grounds will be avaliable; see historic demonstrations, sample hearth-cooked food. Period games will be available for young children. Artists and vendors will sell their wares and food items from 11 am to 3 pm. Special performances of the critically-acclaimed, "Let Them Be Heard", dramatic adaptations of NC slave narratives, will be performed by Bare Theatre during the afternoon and evening of program. In four performances the Bare Theatre Players offer one hour slave narratives, "Let Them Be Heard," at 2:00, 3:00, 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.; tickets $10 General Public and SPF, Inc. members $8. Admission to event is free for most daytime activities.
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.