Rosedale Plantation

Rosedale Plantation was built in 1815 by Archibald Frew, a merchant, postmaster and tax collector. In the 1790s, Frew traveled to between the village of Charlotte and the city of Philadelphia, selling and trading goods with those in the backcountry. As the population grew, so did Frew’s business, and soon he had amassed enough money to purchase land in Charlotte and open a store in the village. In 1802 he purchased additional land in the Sugar Creek community. Free married Ann Cowan, a woman belonging to an upper class Charlotte family, in 1802, and Frew’s status continued to grow, amassing him additional job titles such as post master and tax collector. In 1815, Frew began construction of Rosedale on the land in Sugar Creek. 

The home was constructed in classic Federalist style, and is known today as one of the finest examples of the design. However at the time, it is thought that the townspeople considered the project thoughtless, and the nickname "Frew's Folly" was assigned. However, the exact reason for that nickname is not entirely known although it is believed to be related to the size of the home relative to others in the area at this time and Frew's declining fortune.

Regardless, the 4600 square foot mansion was instantly one of the finest homes in the region. Following Frew’s death, the home was purchased by Dr. David Caldwell, who operated a subsistence plantation on the land. In 1837 he began boarding young men who were attending the Sugar Creek classical academy. The home still boasts wallpaper with graffiti from the boys who lived there at this time. The Caldwell’s were also responsible for the purchase and ownership of 30 enslaved people who worked on the land at the population. During Reconstruction, several of these former slaves continued to live and work in the area, including one who saved the life of one of the Caldwell descendants.

Today the home operates offers tours to the public and serves as an event venue. The tour is centered around the 13 room home and grounds of the plantation, including the architectural and decorative details of the home museum. While many plantation homes are doing more to offer a balanced history, Rosedale is an event venue and the tour focuses more on architecture and the lives of those who owned the home than the enslaved people who lived, worked, and died here. In fact, slavery is scarcely mentioned on the organization's website, brochure, or video which is linked below.

Neill, Rosemary Clifford. Rosedale, NCPedia, THE Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press.. Accessed October 28th 2019.

Gaston , Janice. North Carolina's Rosedale Plantation full of history, Winston-Salem Journal. July 2nd 2006. Accessed October 28th 2019.