Kids Life Tuscaloosa September/October 2023 | Page 10

are we there yet ?

Middleton Place

CHARLESTON AND BEYOND FOR FAMILIES september / october 2023

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By Linda Holloway Photography by Larry Holloway
first had the idea of mixing history with family vacations from our seven-year-old grandson , Landon . He was extremely excited about studying American presidents and history in school . Landon ’ s Northport Elementary School teacher , Kaycie Baker , explained , “ In the second-grade , students will learn principles of American democracy including founding of the nation and identifying national historical figures and celebrations that exemplify fundamental democratic values .” It is exciting to know kids are learning history early . Make your vacation a game . Before leaving for the Charleston area , watch Back to the Future with the kids and explain your vehicle will transport the family to the pre-American Revolutionary War period and beyond .
Middleton Place – Circa 1741
Imagine a fall vacation that is relaxing for parents and fun for kids . A place where lodging is overlooking salt marshes of the Ashley River and the expansive green space is perfect for play . Bring a ball for the kids while you sit in Adirondack chairs to recharge before the holidays . Then , follow a path where the 21st century recedes and time begins in the year , 1741 , where you will find a herd of sheep grazing along the Greensward . You have arrived at Middleton Place Inn and historic Middleton Place — a National Historic Landmark .
First settled in the 18th century , with the family residence dating from 1705 , the Middleton family acquired this land through marriage in 1741 . It was previously owned by Mary Williams ’ family before she married Henry Middleton . It miraculously remained under the same family stewardship for over 300 years . Henry Middleton , was the second President of the First Continental Congress , and Arthur Middleton was a signer of the Declaration of Independence . Explore America ’ s oldest landscaped gardens where the famous ornamental lakes shaped like butterfly wings are located . The gardens were in the Britisher ’ s Ball scene in the film , The Patriot , starring Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger .
The Middleton House Museum ( 1775 ) is where you can point out a hand-written letter from Abraham Lincoln . Here , observe rare Middleton family furniture , books , and historic documents . The working Stableyards is a favorite where its heritage-breed livestock is a living history museum . Historians demonstrate blacksmithing , coopering , textile work and other skills . Visit the “ Beyond the Fields ,” exhibit which interprets the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked here in the plantation era .
MIDDLETON EQUESTRIAN CENTER : Be sure to reserve a trail ride on horseback . No experience is necessary for