President P. George Benson announced on Sept. 25 that the College would purchase the McLeod Plantation on James Island from the Historic Charleston Foundation.
“McLeod Plantation is rich in historical, cultural and ecological significance, and presents the College of Charleston with a unique opportunity to save and preserve a cherished local landmark while enhancing academic and recreational offerings for its students,” Benson said.
The College will be using the 37-acre plantation for a number of educational and recreational purposes.
“A hands-on restoration lab, including initial stabilization of the buildings, archaeological research and training in field research, and space for recreational sports activities,” will be included, according to an official statement from C of C and the College of Charleston Foundation.
The College of Charleston Foundation will be purchasing the property with private, fundraised money for $4 million.
“No public money, tuition funds or student fees will be used for the purchase,” according to the College.
Senior Morgan Johnson said that the purchase is a good idea in theory, but the College should concentrate more locally.
“I guess it’s a good idea, but it’s extremely expensive,” Johnson said. “[The College] probably could have used the money for something else around the city.”
Benson said the plantation could benefit the students and enhance their knowledge of history.
“McLeod Plantation can benefit from the College’s academic and professional expertise in historic preservation and archeology, proven stewardship of historic structures and settings, and scholarly credentials in fields of study such as African American history,” Benson said.
McLeod Plantation will not only be useful to archaeology students and history students, but art and science as well, according to the College.
“[The plantation will be used for] development of courses or programs in museum or historic property management, development of studio spaces for art, music, theater and creative writing,” according to the College. “Accessible habitats for use in many biology and ecology courses and research laboratories, enhancement of coursework in landscape preservation, [and the] development of organic garden and farm plots.”
Junior Meagan Ireland said that the College should not be spending more money on recreation when the College is experiencing state budget cuts.
“I don’t think it’s a smart investment,” Ireland said. “They just built a new basketball arena, in the midst of having to cut back on faculty and student scholarships.”
The College emphasizes, however, that this College of Charleston Foundation money is specifically for enrichment purchases like this one and is not from state funding or tuition dollars.
Before the College can officially purchase the property, the Historic Foundation and the College reached a due diligence period agreement.
“That agreement provides for a 90-day ‘due diligence’ period, within which the College and its Foundation will undertake its own assessment of the property, for example, surveys, appraisals, cost estimates and other studies,” according to the College. “Completion of the sale transaction is subject to satisfactory completion of these steps.”
Benson said that the Foundation will use its money to maintain the historic significance of the plantation.
“The College of Charleston Foundation possesses the necessary financial resources to not only purchase McLeod Plantation but to invest in its proper preservation so that the propertyís beauty and remarkable history are preserved for future generations,î Benson said.

Senior Mark Moshtaghi said that he thinks the McLeod Plantation is historically significant, but the College should concentrate their efforts elsewhere.

“Mcleod Plantation is one of the last remaining from the colonial era and its historical significance should not be overlooked,” Moshtaghi said. “That being said, I find it frustrating that the College is using funds that are sorely needed elsewhere. The money could be spent more rationally, like offering more classes so [that] I can graduate.”

Benson said that the Foundation will keep up the plantation for current and future students.