The history of the Woodburn plantation dates back to the early 1800s. Some folks believe that the mansion was constructed during the early years of the 19th century, but most experts think that it was not worked on until the year 1830. It was built for Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, the son of Thomas Pinckney and nephew of the politician Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. The younger Pinckney served as a lieutenant governor of the state of South Carolina from 1832 up until 1834.

The Woodburn was then sold to a David Taylor in 1852. From here, the site was passed on to various owners until it was acquired by the Pendleton Historic Foundation. The group currently runs the site as a museum home. It is open every weekend from April to October.