Willtown was the second planned town to be established after the relocation of Charleston in 1682. It was one of two South Carolina precincts prior to the 1706 Church Act, and after that date served as a local governmental center. It was militarily important in the protection of the frontier and served as a regional commercial center.

Willtown was located on a 25 foot high bluff overlooking the South Edisto River, called the Pon Pon River in the 18th century. The town site is almost all level, its lawn interspersed with large oak trees. Only the northern section is wooded and three early-nineteenth century buildings are located on the cleared portion.

Willtown Plantation House (at one time called New Hope) was built in 1820 for Lewis Morris, IV. The original high brick foundations have been removed and additions have been made on the river or western side. The front porch has also changed. The building is said to have been used as a hospital by Confederate troops in 1863.

Between the summer house and the Willtown Plantation House is a ten foot high, semi-circular earthen fortification, which is thought to date from the War Between the States. It has been cut through to allow access to the summer house.

Unexposed remains are of a colonial village thought to have had 80 houses. - NPS