The original Wedge Plantation was built in 1826 and is still standing today. It is of the Greek Revival style and is located 6.5 miles North of McClellanville, SC. Today the University of South Carolina--School of Public Health, owns it.

William Lucas who made his fortune perfecting the process that separated rice kernels from their hull built the Wedge. In 1826 Lucas owned 4000 acres and the Wedge Plantation was built to keep an eye on his property. Most of those 4000 acres were planted in rice. Lucas owned 500 slaves that labored over the plantation.

The Wedge plantation gets its name from the shape of the property. There was a space on the main road barely wide enough for two gates as it widens to form the 4000 acres of rice fields on the banks of the Santee River.

Mosquito's were a constant problem for the Lucas during the summer months. As a result, they usually left the Wedge Plantation during the months from May-September. The stagnant water in the rice patties obviously contributed to the mosquito population. Mosquito's are still a problem today at the Wedge Plantation during these summer months.

The original house included a basement with a brick floor. There is a kitchen in the basement that would have been used during the winter months. It is thought that Lucas would have built the basement for several reasons. These reasons would include the possibility of flooding along with the desire to raise the house up as high as possible to catch the river breeze.

The bricks on the original house came from England. They were used as ballast in the ships during those days. The ships most likely returned to England loaded with rice from the Wedge Plantation.

The wings on the house were added later. These wings are of an octagon shape. We don't know the reason for this unusual shape. However, we would surmise that Lucas was trying to have as much of a view as possible over the rice patties.

The front of the house faces the Santee River. During the 1800's the mode of travel would have been in boats and most of the plantation houses built during that period would face the river. The rear of the house greeted the land visitor as they traveled up the long tree lined driveway.

The stables are located about 1000 feet from the house. The original brick lined well was located about 20 steps from the rear of the house. The well still stands today although it is no longer used.