Pee Dee River Rice Planters Historic District

The Pee Dee River Rice Planters Historic District encompasses sixteen rice plantations along the Pee Dee River and Waccamaw River with historic buildings and agricultural structures. The area preserves old rice fields with functioning canals, dikes, and water control devices that demonstrate traditional cultivation methods.

The district was the primary source of rice production in South Carolina between 1750 and 1910, making the state the leading rice producer in America. This era ended as economic changes transformed the plantations.

The four plantation houses show wooden frame construction and central hall layouts typical of the region. Their design reflects how wealthy planters lived and organized their homes.

Visitors can walk through the preserved rice fields and see the historic infrastructure like canals and dikes showing water management. The plantations are spread across the area, so plan time to explore the different sites.

Two original rice barns still stand at Hasty Point and Exchange plantations, along with a complete rice mill and chimney at Chicora Wood. These structures offer insight into the daily work and processing during the height of rice production.