With all due respect to Paul Harvey, there really isnt much to the rest of the story...
The "plantation house" is a burned down decaying remnant of the Colonial past. It is located in a spot that allowed the owners to survey their entire plantation in privacy, but that is history now. In the 70's, it was still used as a place for the hippies to crash, but when it burned, it became a "ruin attraction" to visit.
As with any decaying, non-protected, non-maintained ruin, you are subject to the potential injuries from nature taking its toll on the remaining structures. So be careful and watch your step.
A simple common sense guide would be never to visit the place on your own. People who mean others "ill-will" generally take advantage when you are the most vulnerable. Remember this is a burned down, falling down ruin of a once beautiful mansion. It was isolated from its neighbors on purpose when built, so you are essentially on your own should you go there on your own. I too have heard many "rumor mill" stories, none I have been able to verify first hand. But why take the chance on your own when that risk can easily be avoided?
My advice would be sure to hire a driver to take you there, such as those listed in our transportation section. They can be your tour guide and explain the history of the property. It was glorious in its heyday. I would definitely advise against night visits as there is no electric lighting anywhere there. The chance of a twisted ankle increases astronomically!
Unfortunately, in this new world we live in, even the most innocent things we do on a daily basis, such as standing in line to catch a metro train can end in tragedy. But while on vacation, especially when visiting burned down ruins there are ways to minimize risks.
The ruins (and that OLD tree) are really something to see, but be smart about it. And that pretty much applies to everyplace we go now.
Go and enjoy, but use your head.
