Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation: A Journey into Georgia’s Antebellum Past.

A Brief History of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

Originally established in the early 1800s, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation was part of the vast network of rice plantations that once dominated the coastal lowlands. The property was owned by the Brailsford and Troup families, who cultivated rice using enslaved laborers skilled in the techniques brought from West Africa.

As the rice industry declined after the Civil War, Hofwyl-Broadfield transitioned into a dairy farm. The final owner, Ophelia Dent, donated the property to the state of Georgia in 1973, preserving its legacy as a historical site. Today, the plantation is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, showcasing both its agricultural history and the lives of the people who shaped its story.

What to See and Do at Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

Tour the Plantation House
The centerpiece of the site is the Hofwyl-Broadfield House, a Greek Revival home filled with original furnishings, family heirlooms, and artifacts. Guided tours provide insight into the lives of the families who owned the plantation and the enslaved workers who built its prosperity.
Walk the Grounds
Stroll beneath towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss along the plantation’s picturesque drive. Explore the outbuildings, including the dairy barn, and take in the serene beauty of the marshlands that once supported rice cultivation.
Learn Through Exhibits
The plantation’s Visitor Center features exhibits on the history of rice cultivation in Georgia, the plantation’s transition to dairy farming, and the cultural heritage of the region.
Attend Special Events
Hofwyl-Broadfield hosts events throughout the year, such as reenactments, lectures, and guided nature walks. These activities offer a deeper understanding of the plantation’s history and the natural environment of the Altamaha River basin.
Nature and Wildlife
The plantation’s setting is part of the Altamaha River estuary, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the Southeast. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of herons, egrets, and other coastal wildlife.

Park Fees And Details

The property was originally named “Broadface” and marsh land was converted into rice fields. It was purchased in 1806 by William Brailford, who renamed it “Broadfield”. After he died, the property passed to his son-in-law, Dr. James M. Troup, brother of Governor George Troup.

When Troup died in 1849, the plantation was 7,300 acres in size and utilized 357 slaves. The property passed on to his daughter, Ophilia Troup, and her husband, George Dent.

The current main house was built in the early 1850s and they added “Hofwyl” to the name about that time. With the outbreak of the War Between the States, George Dent and his 15-year-old son James went to serve in the Confederate Army. Ophilia and her children moved to a refugee camp near Waycross, Georgia. After the war, large parts of the land were sold to pay taxes and by the time James Dent took over the property in 1880, the wealth was gone. When James Dent died in 1913 the family was still in debt. His son, James, and his daughters, Miriam and Ophilia Dent, operated the land as a dairy farm until 1942.

At its peak as a dairy farm, it had about 35 cows and produced 100-150 bottles of milk per day. When the dairy was shut down in 1942, the property was finally out of debt. The two sisters (the firth generation of the family to live there) lived at the house until the last survivor, Ophelia, died in 1973.

She left the property to the state of Georgia.

Wikipedia

GeorgiaStateParks.org/HofwylBroadfield

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site

5556 U.S. Highway 17 N.

Brunswick, GA 31525

Hours:

Wednesday–Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Last tour at 4 p.m.

Closed

Thanksgiving,

Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.

Admission:

–Adults (18–61): $8.00

– Seniors (62+): $7.00

– Youth (6–17): $5.00

– Under 6: Free

Wikipedia