The Elgin Plantation is a stunning example of southern living and offers guests a peek inside the life of an early American plantation. The historical property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as rated by the NC Trust for Historical Preservation. The plantation features authentic buildings and artifacts to give visitors a glimpse into what life was like in North Carolina during the 18th century.
Bruce Johnson Studios produced breathtaking architectural photography and virtual tours of The Elgin Plantation that are available online so you can see this beautiful property from anywhere!
Architecture of the Elgin Plantation
The architecture of the Elgin Plantation is representative of the transition from Federal to Greek Revival architecture in the Southeast. With its 4-columned portico and octagon-shaped cupola, the main house is an example of the adoption of Greek Revival architecture by plantation owners in the Southeast. The Elgin House was built as a Federal-style house and remodeled during the 1850s to reflect the Greek Revival style being popularized in Virginia, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The cupola and five-bay front are indicative of the Greek Revival style. The large Ionic columns supporting the front porch are typical of the Greek Revival. A close examination of the house will reveal a number of other architectural features characteristic of the Greek Revival, such as the wide, overhanging eaves and the symmetrical facade.
Photography of the Elgin Plantation
Bruce Johnson Studios also captured stunning architectural photography and virtual tours of The Elgin Plantation. The photography of the Elgin Plantation was done to show the detail and aesthetics found throughout this historic property.
Virtual Tour of the Elgin Plantation
The architecture of the Elgin Plantation was preserved through careful renovations over the years, but there are some modern additions. You can view the virtual tour of The Elgin Plantation for yourself and see how it has been preserved throughout the years. Just click the image below.
The Elgin Plantation: Location and History
The Elgin Plantation is located in Warrenton, North Carolina. Warrenton is a small town in the northwest corner of North Carolina and is only a few hours from both Virginia and Georgia. The town is located at the confluence of the Chowan and Tar Rivers, which are tributaries of the North Carolina portion of the Pamlico Sound. The Elgin Plantation is one of the most intact plantation complexes in the state. The Elgin Plantation was established by Peter Mitchell, a Scottish immigrant who moved to North Carolina around 1775. Mitchell acquired 4350 acres of land in 1779 through a grant from the state for his service in the King’s American Regiment. He named his new plantation Elgin, after his hometown in Scotland. His son, William Williams Mitchell, was born on this plantation in 1785. The plantation was built and powered by slave labor and remarkedly a full accounting of the slave population, including surnames, was retained in the Mitchell Family papers. A transcription of these sobering documents and other family history can be found here: https://www.ncgenweb.us/ncstate/plantations/elgin_warrenton.htm
Summing up
The Elgin Plantation is a stunning example of southern living and offers guests a peek inside the life of an early American plantation. The architecture and photography of the Elgin Plantation will capture your attention and make you feel as if you have traveled back in time.
