History of Orange Grove
On the National Register of historic places
Our Southern Wedding Venue Has a Rich History
Orange Grove is one of the original Sea Island cotton plantations that was active on St. Helena Island from colonial days until the “War between the States”. Like most Beaufort County plantations, Orange Grove’s original house (built by the Fripp family around 1800) and surrounding agricultural land was sold for back-taxes during the period of occupation. In 1928, the Orange Grove house was purchased by Congressman Henry L. Bowles of Massachusetts. He reassembled much of the land that had been divided into 10 acre parcels as part of the “Port Royal Experiment” carried out by the federal government during the “War between the States”.
A Historic Hunting Cottage
Mr. Bowles tore down the original house and built the present house as a “hunting cottage.” Some remains from the original Fripp era are: the mantle which is now in the living room of the 1928 house; the tabby ruins of the original plantation kitchen building; and the Fripp family graveyard surrounded by a tabby wall. Ann Perry Fripp (born 1799 and died 1830), along with her daughter and one other family member, are buried in the graveyard under the Oak trees to the north of the house.
A Secret Garden and Stunning Landscape
In 1963, the John Trask family purchased Orange Grove as part of their family farming operation. In 1972 Mr. and Mrs. John M. Trask Jr. rebuilt the Bowles house, making major interior changes to accommodate their family of four children and opening up the back of the house with glass to take advantage of the natural views. In addition, the family added the east wing to the house; built the walled-in garden with landscaping designed by Robert E Marvin; and planted the avenue of Live Oak trees. The architectural design of the front of the house remains essentially unchanged.
A FAMILY LEGACY
IN 2024, The Trask family decided to preserve their family property and make it available for others to enjoy. Experience hundreds of years of history at our uniquely southern wedding venue listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
