Aeolian Hill Plantation – St Matthews – Calhoun County

— Aeolian Hill Plantation © Gazie Nagle, 2014 —
(Do Not Use Without Written Consent)

Basic Information

• Location – St Matthews, Calhoun County

  1.8 miles east of St Matthews on 295 Old 6 Highway (Creston-Elloree Road)

• Origin of name – Named by John Edward Wannamaker for Aeolus, the Greek god of wind, because strong winds often blew across the plantation (3)
  

• Other names – ?

• Current status – Privately owned and operated as a hunting retreat and events venue
  

Timeline

• 1824 – Earliest known date of existence (1)

  Reverend John Jacob Wannamaker established Aeolian Hill Plantation. Reverend Wannamaker was one of the signers of the Ordinance of Secession (1) (3).
  

• 1864 – John Edward Wannamaker inherited the plantation from his father, Reverend Wannamaker, upon his father's death (3).
  

• 1872 – John moved back to Aeolian Hill to manage the plantation after attending Wofford College. He lived in the overseer's house on the property (3).
  

• 1875 – John tore down the overseer's house and built a one-story home (3).
  

• 1900 – John enlarged his house and also added a second story (3).
  

• 1910 – Following in his father's footsteps, Dr. John E. Wannamaker Jr graduated from Wofford College and returned home to farm the family plantation (3).
  

• 1965 – Dr. John E. Wannamaker Jr passed away at Aeolian Hill Plantation (3).
  

Land

• Number of acres – 395 in 2012. The land is divided as follows: 158 acres of planted pines, 47 acres of cropland, 40 acres of hardwoods and hedgerows, 34 acres pecan trees and meadows, 16 acres of lawn and gardens (4).
  

• Primary crop – Cotton and soybeans (3).
  

  The Clemson-Nonshatter soybean was developed by Dr. John E. Wannamaker Jr in the early 1900s at Aeolian Hill Plantation (3).
  

• The Wannamaker family cemetery is located at Aeolian Hill (3).
  

— Tree at Aeolian Hill Plantation © Reggie Murphy, 2010 —
(Do Not Use Without Written Consent)

Slaves

• Number of slaves – 103 in 1860 (2)

References & Resources

1. Information contributed by photographer Reggie Murphy
   

2. Orangeburg County, South Carolina - Largest Slaveholders from 1860 Slave Census Schedules - Calhoun County was formed in 1908 from portions of Lexington and Orangeburg counties
   

3. Calhoun County Museum and Cultural Center's website - click here

4. Real Estate Listing by Plantations Services - click here

Contact Information

• Aeolian Hill Farm
  295 Old 6 Highway
  St Matthews, SC 29135