“Cotton is King!” Those words resounded through Congress and then the nation in a fiery speech by South Carolina Sen. James Henry Hammond in the years leading up to the Civil War. Hammond’s legacy also lives on in the picturesque setting of Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site. The plantation home, completed in 1859, and iconic lane of 145-year-old magnolia trees are highlights of the site. So is the view of the Savannah River valley from the top floor of the Greek Revival house, where historians say Hammond could see the clock tower a dozen miles away across the river in downtown Augusta. Exploring the preserved slave quarters, admiring the heirloom garden and picnicking on the expansive lawn also are favorite activities at the park. Redcliffe was donated to South Carolina in 1973 by former Time editor John Shaw Billings, a descendant of the former congressman and governor. GENERAL •Civil War: Yes •Designation: National Register •Counties: Aiken •Acreage: 369 •When & How PRT Acquired: Donated in 1973 from John Shaw Billings •Pets: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. •Tour and Programs Information: Redcliffe Plantation is a "DiscoverCarolina Site", which provides curriculum-based social studies programs for South Carolina school children. LOCATION •Driving Directions: From I-20: North Augusta take exit 1 onto Martintown Road. Go approximately 4 miles and turn left onto Hwy 125 S. (Atomic Rd.) to Beech Island. Turn right at stop light onto Beech Island Ave. then left onto Hwy 278 at next stop light. Go two miles then take a right onto Hammond Road. Then right onto Redcliffe Rd. Redcliffe is approximately 14 miles from I-20.