THREE HOES IN THE KITCHEN: THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OF PEACHTREE PLANTATION, ST. JAMES SANTEE PARISH, SOUTH CAROLINA
Abstract
Historical background research, precedent case studies, and archaeology are used to determine architectural antecedents, floor plan, and room uses of Peachtree Plantation. Peachtree is the ruin of a two-story dwelling once owned by the Lynch family, prominent Lowcountry rice planters and politicians. Thomas Lynch, Jr. was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house was built between 1760 and 1762 on the South Santee River in St. James Santee Parish, South Carolina. It burned in 1840 and was never reconstructed; what remains today is a ruin of partial walls and rubble.
This thesis uses a multi-disciplinary approach to explore the inhabitants of Peachtree, likely origins of the house, and floor plan, and expands its significance by applying National Register of Historic Places criteria standards. Historical research and archaeological excavation informed reconstruction of the house floor plan. Artifacts recovered from the ruin provided additional information to determine room uses. Recommendations are presented to assist in the future conservation of Peachtree.