Date of Award

1-1-2011

Document Type

Campus Access Thesis

Department

History

Sub-Department

Public History

First Advisor

Robert R Weyeneth

Abstract

The 'Second Yankee Invasion' of South Carolina was at its height in Georgetown County between 1890 and 1935, as wealthy Northerners came South seeking winter homes. Northern attraction to the South was based upon growing interest in outdoor recreation, the romanticization of the Southern past, and ease of creating large country houses in the region's historic landscapes. During this period, the popularity of the Colonial Revival influenced restorations of historic structures throughout the country. As the decades wore on, an emphasis on perceived authenticity, whether in restoring a structure or building a new one in a colonial style, became increasingly important. Although many of the Northerners who bought, modified, or built new plantation structures would not have necessarily defined themselves as preservationists or antiquarians, they - and their architects - were greatly influenced by Colonial Revival ideas. Georgetown County locals appreciated this preservation work, as well as the economic impact that wealthy Northerners brought to the community. However, these outsiders were never truly welcome, as locals railed against their use of the land and their perceived disrespect for local culture. Although this movement ended long ago, the impact Northerners had in Georgetown County endures through the modifications that they made to historic plantation structures and landscapes.

Rights

© 2011, Jennifer Lee Betsworth

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