One more place to enjoy near Charleston in South Carolina
The Heyward-Washington House, constructed in 1772, got its name from two important individuals in its past: Thomas Heyward Jr. and President George Washington. Heyward was a Revolutionary War officer and a delegate from South Carolina to the Continental Congress in 1776. He is most renowned for signing the Declaration of Independence. In 1791, the city of Charleston rented Heyward’s house for President George Washington’s weeklong visit. The connection with America’s first president has remained ever since. The architectural style of this three-story red brick house reflects the Georgian style that was popular in English colonies for its symmetry and order. In 1929, the Charleston Museum acquired the property and opened it to the public a year later as the city’s inaugural historic home museum.
The home has received positive feedback from recent visitors. They particularly enjoyed the antique Charleston-made furnishings and the beautiful formal gardens. One highlight for them was the opportunity to see an original kitchen dating back to the 1740s. This kitchen, along with the carriage shed, are remnants from the time when the Milner family owned the property before it was purchased by Heyward in 1770. Furniture enthusiasts were especially impressed by the 1770 Chippendale-style Holmes Bookcase, which is widely regarded as a remarkable display of American craftsmanship.