Welcome!

Nearby Orton Plantation gives visitors a peek into Southern elegance at the former residence of the powerfully wealthy, Roger Moore (brother to Maurice). “King” Roger Moore owned hundreds of slaves and with them fought a great battle against the Indians in the area. The Indians were either killed or driven from the region. The original home was one and a half stories and constructed of brick. In 1840 Dr. Frederick Jones Hill, a later owner, added a second story and four fluted Doric columns. Through several ownerships, Orton Plantation became a leading rice plantation known for the superiority of its grain.

In 1865, following the fall of Confederate Fort Fisher, Orton was occupied by Union forces who used it as a hospital, sparing it from the fate suffered by many fine homes in the South. Col. Kenneth McKenzie Murchison CSA purchased Orton in 1884, restored it and used it as his winter home. The current residents of the grand estate do not allow public tours inside, however, the gardens, which are open to the public, are among the most beautiful in the east consisting of ponds, fountains, statuary, footbridges and stands of cypress. The self-guided garden and grounds tour takes approximately an hour. Bring along a picnic and settle in for a glorious day in the south.

Operating Hours:
March through August – 8 am – 6 pm
September through November 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day and December through the end of February.

Admission Prices:
Senior Citizens $8.00
Adults $9.00
Children $3.00

A Seasonal Pass is good for one calendar year from the date of purchase. It allows unlimited visits for the pass holder and is non-transferable. The cost is: Adult Pass $23.00; Senior Pass $20.00.

Click Here to Return to Top of Page