Fonti Flora Plantation
Fonti Flora Plantation is a historic estate situated approximately 5.4 miles northeast of Monticello in Fairfield County, South Carolina, along SC Highway 99. Constructed around 1836 by Dr. George Butler Pearson and his wife, Elisabeth Alston Pearson, the plantation is a notable example of Greek Revival architecture with Gothic Revival elements. The residence is a 2½-story clapboard structure featuring a full-width two-story Greek Revival portico supported by six square paneled piers. Distinctive Gothic Revival features include tripartite Gothic windows on the front and side facades. The interior follows a central hall floor plan, flanked by symmetrical rooms, and retains many original architectural details. The estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 24, 1979.
Dr. George Butler Pearson, a physician and horticulture enthusiast, received the 2,303-acre property as a gift from his father-in-law, James Alston, in 1833. The plantation has remained within the Pearson family lineage, with ownership passing through generations. As of the late 20th century, the property was owned by Mrs. George W. Tomlin, née Katherine Pearson.
Fonti Flora Plantation has also been the subject of paranormal investigations. In 2021, it was featured in the documentary film “Fonti Flora,” which explores reports of supernatural occurrences on the property.
The plantation’s enduring architectural integrity and historical significance make it a valuable cultural asset in South Carolina’s heritage.