Upstate Preservation Trust plans to purchase Oakland Plantation located north of Simpsonville to preserve the historic site and create a public park.
The local nonprofit recently received $1.2 million to acquire approximately 52 acres of property from the YMCA of Greenville. South Carolina Conservation Bank and Greenville County Historic and Natural Resources Trust each awarded $602,500 for the property purchase.
“This project is an excellent example of what can happen when organizations come together to achieve common goals for the good of the citizens of Greenville County,” said Alex Reynolds, communications committee chair for Greenville County HNRT.
The site includes a circa 1823 plantation house, a two-story former slave cabin – one of three known to have survived in Greenville County – and nine historic outbuildings.
In partnership with Greenville County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, UPT will convert 48 acres of green space into a passive park. The original plantation house and the ten outbuildings on the property will also be restored.
“We commend Upstate Preservation Trust not only for securing the funds to acquire the property but also for their commitment to interpreting the property and making it available to the community as a recreational resource,” said Raleigh West, executive director of South Carolina Conservation Bank.
The nonprofit plans to close on the property in the first quarter of 2024. Restoration efforts will begin soon after and are expected to cost $1.5 million. UPT has raised $250,000 but is seeking community support to help fund the stabilization of the buildings.
For more information, visit preserveupstate.org.
By the numbers
Oakland Plantation includes 52.06 total acres. The plantation home sits on 3.8 acres. The green space parcel equals 48.26 acres.
