A very nice article from The Camellia Journal February - April 2002, publication of the American Camellia Society is reproduced here.

The circle of very old camellias around their 1740 landmark home has intrigued Frank and Raejean Beattie since they became owners of Hopsewee, a handsome plantation on the banks of the North Santee River. Some of the plants, they feel, may date back to the 1800s.
The Beatties are anxious to identify the camellias and Tom Johnson, ACS Horticulturist, visited with Frank and Raejean Beattie to begin the identification process. Another visit to coincide with the blooming season will be necessary to do more, however. There may be some "lost" camellias amongst these ancient bushes - a possibility that pulls at camellia devotees' heart-strings!
Only five families have owned the house since it was built more than 260 years ago. Built of sturdy black cypress, it is essentially the same house as it was back then. Located in the heart of South Carolina just 12 miles south of Georgetown, the typical lowcountry rice plantation dwelling overlooks former rice fields across the N. Santee river. The interior holds many surprises and visitors will delight in this home, the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

On the right Tom Johnson tells Frank and Raejean Beattie about their camellias. Below shows one of the camellia's heavy budding habit. Photos by Wilton Walton