Plantations hold a significant and complex place in American history, reflecting the agricultural roots of the nation, particularly in the South.  These estates, often sprawling thousands of acres, were hubs of agricultural production and centers of cultural and economic influence.  Many have transformed into historical landmarks, preserving both their grandeur and the stories—both triumphant and tragic—that shaped them.  Here are the top 10 largest plantations in the United States, ranked by size and historical impact.

#1: Belle Grove Plantation – 7,500 Acres

Located in Middletown, Virginia, Belle Grove Plantation is one of the largest and most historically significant plantations in the United States, encompassing approximately 7,500 acres.  This sprawling estate was established in 1797 by Major Isaac Hite Jr., James Madison’s brother-in-law.

Belle Grove’s stately mansion is a masterpiece of Federal architecture, with grand rooms and intricate woodwork.  The plantation originally thrived on wheat, livestock, and other crops, utilizing enslaved labor.  Today, it serves as a historic site, offering visitors a glimpse into plantation life through its preserved structures and detailed exhibits.  Anecdotes of Civil War battles that raged nearby add to its storied past.

#2: Nottoway Plantation – 6,200 Acres

Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, Louisiana, spans 6,200 acres and is famous for its massive Greek Revival and Italianate mansion, known as the “White Castle of the South.”  Built in 1859 by John Hampden Randolph, the mansion boasts 64 rooms and is the largest antebellum mansion in the United States.

Nottoway primarily produced sugarcane and relied on enslaved labor to sustain its operations.  The estate is now a luxury resort and museum, attracting visitors with its grandeur and well-preserved architecture.  Stories of Randolph’s ambitions and the plantation’s survival during the Civil War highlight its resilience.

#3: Belle Meade Plantation – 5,400 Acres

Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville, Tennessee, once spanned 5,400 acres and was renowned for its thoroughbred horse breeding.  Established in 1807, it became a leader in the horse racing industry.

Belle Meade’s history includes stories of prized horses, grand celebrations, and the enslaved workers who supported its operations.  Today, it serves as a museum, offering insights into its agricultural and equestrian legacy.

#4: Evergreen Plantation – 2,000 Acres

Situated in Edgard, Louisiana, Evergreen Plantation covers 2,000 acres and is renowned for its 37 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including 22 original slave cabins.  The plantation was established in the 18th century and became a major producer of sugarcane.

Evergreen is unique for its preservation, offering a comprehensive look at plantation life, from the opulent main house to the quarters of enslaved workers.  Anecdotes of families who lived and worked on the estate, coupled with its role in modern films like Django Unchained, keep its history alive.

#5: Whitney Plantation – 2,000 Acres

The Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana, spans 2,000 acres and is unique for its focus on the lives of the enslaved workers who lived there.  Established in the 18th century, it was a major producer of sugarcane.

Today, Whitney is a museum dedicated to preserving the stories of those who built and sustained the plantation.  Visitors can explore preserved slave cabins, exhibits, and memorials that honor the resilience of the enslaved community.

#6: Oak Alley Plantation – 1,200 Acres

Oak Alley Plantation, located in Vacherie, Louisiana, is famous for its stunning canopy of live oak trees lining the approach to its Greek Revival mansion.  Spanning 1,200 acres, the plantation was established in the early 19th century and primarily produced sugarcane.

Oak Alley’s beauty has made it a popular destination for visitors and filmmakers alike.  Stories of the plantation’s enslaved workers, coupled with its elegant architecture, provide a poignant juxtaposition of grandeur and hardship.  Guided tours focus on its layered history and enduring legacy.

#7: Boone Hall Plantation – 738 Acres

Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, spans 738 acres and is one of the oldest working plantations in the United States, established in 1681.  It is famous for its avenue of oak trees and its history as a cotton and pecan plantation.

The plantation offers a rich look at Lowcountry culture and history, with exhibits on its enslaved workers, agricultural innovations, and its use as a filming location for movies like The Notebook.  Anecdotes about its role in the region’s economy and culture continue to resonate.

#8: Shirley Plantation – 700 Acres

Shirley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia, is the oldest active plantation in the United States, established in 1614.  Spanning 700 acres along the James River, this plantation has remained in the Hill Carter family for 11 generations.

Shirley’s Georgian-style mansion, completed in 1738, is a stunning architectural feat.  The plantation’s history includes tales of early colonial life, Revolutionary War battles, and the resilience of its owners.  Today, it serves as a museum, showcasing its long-standing legacy.

#9: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – 500 Acres

Located near Charleston, South Carolina, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens spans 500 acres and is known for its stunning gardens, which date back to the 17th century.  The plantation has been in the Drayton family for more than 15 generations.

Magnolia Plantation transitioned from rice production to a focus on horticulture and tourism after the Civil War.  Its gardens, with vibrant azaleas and camellias, are a confirmation to the family’s resilience.  Stories of the enslaved workers who maintained its beauty are an integral part of its history.

#10: Middleton Place – 110 Acres

Middleton Place in Charleston, South Carolina, may be smaller at 110 acres but holds immense historical significance.  Established in 1741, it is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens.

The plantation was a hub for rice cultivation and a center of political influence, with its owners playing prominent roles in early American history.  Anecdotes of its recovery after being burned during the Civil War add depth to its narrative.

The largest plantations in the United States offer a window into the nation’s complex history, blending stories of agricultural innovation, architectural grandeur, and social struggle.  From the sprawling fields of Belle Grove to the stunning avenues of Oak Alley, these estates serve as reminders of both the beauty and the burdens of their time, preserving a legacy that continues to shape our understanding of the past.