McLeod Plantation sale will protect site, ensure access

Over the past several years, the public has rightfully expressed its support for the preservation of McLeod Plantation. Since Historic Charleston Foundation's purchase of the plantation in 1993, no one has been more staunchly committed to this historic jewel's preservation than its trustees and staff, expending well over $2.5 million to ensure its protection.

A key factor in the protection of a property such as McLeod is the thoughtful and sustainable rehabilitation of the property so that its history remains vital and can educate future generations. With this in mind, HCF's trustees are confident that the sale of the property to the College of Charleston will succeed in both protecting the site's historic structures and allowing the property to continue to educate and be enjoyed by the people of James Island and beyond for generations to come.

The college is able to accomplish this through its nationally renowned academic expertise and resources in the fields of historic preservation and archaeology.

As the last surviving plantation on James Island, McLeod holds an important place in Lowcountry history. Shortly after William E. McLeod's death in 1990, Historic Charleston Foundation responded to an immediate need to preserve and protect this antebellum complex. Bequests made by Mr. McLeod and his sisters left the property to 13 nonprofit organizations, including HCF and the College of Charleston, each with different missions and priorities. This created the possibility that the plantation might be sold, subdivided and developed. To ensure the protection of the property, HCF raised the capital necessary to acquire undivided title for the sole purpose of preserving it.

By keeping the property intact and finding a buyer with unmatched expertise and resources in the field of historic preservation who will allow the property to be accessible for the public's education and enjoyment, Historic Charleston Foundation's trustees have been true to the faith Mr. McLeod placed in them.

While McLeod Plantation is unique and significant, research has shown that the admission fees it could be expected to generate solely as a museum site would not support its restoration and ongoing operating expenses.

Thus the foundation has sought to find a buyer with both the financial resources and commitment to responsibly rehabilitate and subsidize its operating expenses without relying on admission fees.

Since its founding in 1947, HCF's mission has been to preserve the architectural, historical and cultural integrity of Charleston and its environs and to educate the public about the benefits of preservation.

This mission prompted us to assume responsibility for McLeod Plantation 16 years ago, just as it prompts us today to ensure that the property will continue to flourish under the College of Charleston's stewardship.

We are proud that we have found an ideal purchaser in the College of Charleston Foundation.

Katharine S. Robinson is executive director of the Historic Charleston Foundation. Bradish J. Waring is president of the HCF Board of Trustees.