Darien, Georgia: Butler Island Plantation
Located on US 17 one mile south of Darien, this former rice plantation is now a residence for the Department of Natural Resources. There is a 75-foot brick chimmney in front of the house, of interest to motorists passing by; this was part of a steam-powered rice mill built in 1850. One can also see the still-operational dike system, designed by engineers from Holland and the two-story home of Col. T.L. Huston, a half-owner of the New York Yankees, who had a Guernsey dairy farm and a successful truck farming operation that shipped iceberg lettuce grown in the restored rice fields. The residence was built in 1927, and during this period, many professional baseball players visited the Plantation, including Babe Ruth.
The historical marker reads:
"Famous rice Plantation of the 19th century, owned by Pierce Butler of Philadelphia. A system of dikes and canals for the cultivation of rice, installed by engineers from Holland can still be observed in the old fields, and has been used as a pattern for similar operations in recent years.
During a visit here with her husband in 1839-40, Pierce Butler's wife, the brilliant English actress, Fannie Kemble, wrote her "Journal of a Residence On A Georgia Plantation," which is said to have influenced England against the Confederacy."
Another historical marker reads:
"Pierce Butler and his daughter, Frances, who shared his interest in the South, returned to Butler island in 1866, and worked to rehabilitate the plantations. Pierce Butler died in 1867, but Frances continued for several years to manage the island acreage. She wrote a book, "Ten Years On A Georgia Plantation," an interesting and valuable account of life in this section during the Reconstruction. Owen Wister, famous author of "The Virginian," and other novels, was the son of Sarah Butler, sister of Frances. He often visited Butler Island plantation."
Visitors to Butler Island can walk its trails, or fish from the docks and bridge nearby. Sunsets can be dramatic, as the setting sun creates reflections of brilliant color on the Butler River.
