Charleston: Historic Joseph Manigault House

Visiting Charleston’s Historic Joseph Manigault House!

Another neat Historical house we visited one time when we were in Charleston was the Joseph Manigault’s House!  This was one of the few houses they allowed pictures inside the house so we have a few extra to share with you.  We arrived a few minutes before the tour of the house started so we got a chance to explore the gardens and area around the house.   We learned a lot about this house during the tour.

Joseph Manigault a French Huguenot descendent was the original owner of the Joseph Manigault House.  He had this house built during the antebellum period in the lowcountry.  Manigault was a rice plantation owner, businessman, and politician.  His wealth was inherited from his grandpa, who gave him several rice plantations and more than 200 slaves.  Joseph Manigault first married Maria Henrietta Middleton.  Maria’s father was Arthur Middleton who was signed the Declaration of Independence. His second wife was Charlotte Drayton.  Joseph and Charlotte had eight kids who spent time in this home.

Like a lot of the other houses we visited in downtown Charleston this was his city house.  Although, during his time this house was considered to be located in the country because it was outside of downtown Charleston.  Now it is considered downtown Charleston.  The house contains a beautiful spiral staircase in the entryway with a gorgeous chandelier.  The furniture is not from the original family, however, they have acquired pieces that fit that time period and the decorations as well as the paint match the original colors from that time period.

Outside they had the kitchen, slave quarters, stables, privy, and a gate temple.  The outdoor buildings (with exception of the Gate Temple) have been taken down, but foundations can still be seen with signs describing what was once in the various spots around the yard.  It is a beautiful yard to walk through on a nice day or to sit and relax on the porch.  One side the house faces the Charleston Museum and the other side faces downtown Charleston.

The girls enjoyed visiting the various houses in Charleston.

Exploring the gardens around the Joseph Manigault house.

Hanging out in the shade at Gate Temple.

Spiral staircase and chandelier in the foyer of the house.

One of the circular side balconies faces the street.  The balconies were often open allowing a nice breeze to flow throughout the house.

Charleston’s Historical Joseph Manigault House located at 350 Meeting Street.