Attraction
Somerset Place State Historic Site
Come explore the history of what was once the third largest antebellum plantation in North Carolina During its existence (1785-1865), it was one of the state’s most prosperous rice, corn, and wheat plantations. Owned by three generations of the Collins family, the plantation's labor force included more than 850 enslaved black workers, about 50 white employees, and 2 free black employees during its 80-year existence. Guided tours of the site include the original Collins Family Home and associated outbuildings, as well as two reconstructed enslaved dwellings and hospital. Our scenic grounds, located on 31 acres of original Collins land along the shore of Lake Phelps, also include a formal garden, reconstructed overseer's house, excavation sites of several buildings in the enslaved community, and resident pet goats.
The site is adjacent to Pettigrew State Park.
