Poplar Grove Plantation | Wilmington

Poplar Grove Plantation, located just north of Wilmington, North Carolina, in the Scotts Hill community, is a preserved antebellum estate that functions today as a historic museum and cultural site. It offers a deeply immersive experience into the agricultural, architectural, and social history of the 18th and 19th centuries in the coastal South, with special attention to the lives of both the plantation-owning Foy family and the enslaved people who sustained the estate’s prosperity.

🏛️ Historical Background

Establishment: The plantation was established in 1795 after James Foy purchased land from Francis Clayton. It remained in the Foy family for six generations until the late 20th century.

Main House: The current plantation house was built around 1850 by Joseph Mumford Foy in the Greek Revival architectural style. It features 12 rooms and was designed to impress visitors while serving as the operational center of the plantation.

Enslaved Community: In 1860, records show 59 individuals were enslaved at Poplar Grove, nearly half of whom were children under the age of 16. Enslaved people at Poplar Grove performed a range of skilled and unskilled labor, including blacksmithing, carpentry, animal husbandry, and cooking, in addition to peanut cultivation.

Post-Emancipation Life: After the Civil War, many formerly enslaved people remained at Poplar Grove as tenant farmers. A nearby settlement known as "Foy Town" became home to several African American families who lived and worked in the area well into the 20th century.

🌿 Grounds and Structures

The plantation complex covers several acres and includes:

The Main Plantation House: A restored structure filled with period furnishings, family heirlooms, and interpretive exhibits.

Original Outbuildings:

Blacksmith Shop: Demonstrations are held showing traditional ironworking techniques.

Tenant House: Represents the living conditions of tenant farmers and freedmen post-emancipation.

Kitchen House: Separate from the main house, it reflects the domestic labor roles of enslaved women.

Smokehouse, Barns, and Animal Pens: These show how food preservation and animal care were managed on site.

Gardens and Agricultural Displays: The grounds include herb and vegetable gardens that mirror 19th-century planting practices.

🧠 Museum Exhibits and Interpretation

Slavery and Gullah-Geechee Culture: Displays explore the lives, crafts, music, and heritage of enslaved Africans and their descendants, who significantly influenced local culture.

Peanut Agriculture: As a peanut plantation, Poplar Grove has exhibits explaining cultivation, harvesting, and processing methods, and how this crop shaped the economy.

Family Life and Gender Roles: Rooms within the mansion present how men, women, and children of the Foy family lived, entertained guests, and operated the plantation.

Interactive Programs: Includes educational programs for school groups, heritage interpretation tours, and seasonal exhibits.

🎟️ Admission and Tours

Poplar Grove offers different types of tours:

Guided Tour (Includes main house and outbuildings)

Adults: $15

Seniors/Military: $12

Students (11–17): $10

Youth (5–10): $8

Self-Guided Tour

Adults: $12

Seniors/Military: $10

Students (11–17): $8

Youth (5–10): $6

Grounds Only (No building access)

Adults: $10

Students (11–17): $6

Youth (5–10): $4

Children under 5: Free

Seasonal passes and group discounts are available. Open March through October, Monday through Saturday.

📆 Events and Activities

Poplar Grove hosts a variety of public and private events:

Herb & Garden Fair: Held annually in spring, featuring local plants, crafts, and workshops.

Fall Ghost Tours: Evening lantern tours that explore the plantation’s haunted history and folklore.

Merry & Bright Festival: A winter holiday celebration with lights, artisan vendors, and family activities.

Weekly Farmers' Market: Held every Wednesday from May through fall, showcasing fresh produce and handmade goods.

🧭 Visitor Information

Location: 10200 US Highway 17 North, Wilmington, NC 28429

Parking: Free on-site parking available

Accessibility: Most buildings and grounds are accessible; assistance available for those with mobility issues

Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, event pavilion, and a gift shop with local crafts and souvenirs

🧾 Summary

Poplar Grove Plantation is more than a preserved Southern estate—it is a historical and educational landmark offering insight into plantation life, the realities of slavery and emancipation, and the agricultural traditions that shaped southeastern North Carolina. Its blend of authentic architecture, cultural exhibits, and hands-on programs make it a vital destination for heritage tourism and historical reflection.