One of the oldest existing peanut plantations in North Carolina , Poplar Grove Plantation was in the same family for over 6 generations.  The Foys originally purchased the land in 1795 and kept it until the mid 1970’s.

     Opened as a museum in 1980; today the mansion is on the National Register of Historic Homes.  Poplar Grove Plantation preserves the homestead of a successful farming family, the outbuildings and crafts typical of an 1800s era working community. Poplar Grove is preserved through the efforts of the non-profit Poplar Grove Foundation.

 Let’s step back in history… 

     The year is 1795, James Foy, Jr. has just purchased 628 acres of land from Frances Clayton.  The land is located on Topsail Sound, in new Hanover County.  It includes the banks of Figure Eight Island and land in Pender County as well.  James built his home close to the water so he could use the water to transport his goods to Wilmington.  The arduous trip into town took about twelve hours round trip. Transporting goods was easier using boats and barges.  James’ son, Joseph Mumford Foy, began building the current Manor House in 1849.  This location was selected because of the close proximity to the New Bern to Wilmington plank road.  The manor house was designed by Joseph, an amateur architect, in the Greek Revival Style.  It has 4,284 square feet, 12 fireplaces, 2 pairs of corbelled interior chimneys and 12 rooms.

     Along the Cape Fear River rice plantations brought economic prosperity, and everywhere within the region thousands of farmers owe their livelihoods to the 'golden leaf', tobacco, however, Poplar Grove owes it's success to the peanut.

'. . . goodness how delicious, . . . eatin' goober peas . . .'

     Just a few minutes north of Wilmington, North Carolina, Poplar Grove offers a wonderful experience for families, with plenty to see and do.  Tour the big house and tenant farmer's cabin, spend some time visiting the craft shops and learn about basket making and weaving, and the blacksmith's shop - find out why nails were so precious.

                                                                             

10200 US Highway 17 N., Wilmington, NC  28411 (910) 686-9518    pgp@poplargrove.com