This site’s history goes beyond stories of white landowners Memminger (1838-1888), Gregg (1889-1900), Smyth (1900- 1942), and Sandburg (1945-1967). It encompasses the lives of African Americans who lived and worked here. Black people, enslaved by the Memmingers, helped build most of the buildings around you. From 1838 to 1853, laborers constructed the main home, detached kitchen, and two small living quarters for enslaved cooks, maids, butlers, and farm workers.
