South Carolina is home to a rich array of architectural gems, ranging from historic landmarks to modern marvels.
Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the diverse buildings that showcase the state’s unique heritage and culture.
Exploring the best architectural buildings in South Carolina provides insight into the area’s history and architectural evolution.
From grand cathedrals to charming homes, each structure tells a story and adds character to the state’s landscape.
1. Charleston Library Society
The Charleston Library Society, founded in 1748, is one of the oldest libraries in the United States. It is located in Charleston, South Carolina.
As the third-oldest institutional library in the U.S., it has a rich collection that supports education, arts, and sciences.
This library also houses valuable historical documents, including a manuscript copy of The Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina written by John Locke.
More details can be found on the Charleston Library Society website.
2. Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is a historic building in Charleston, South Carolina. Completed in 1771, it has served many roles, including a custom house, post office, city hall, and military headquarters.
Located at East Bay and Broad Streets, this site was a prisoner of war facility during the American Revolutionary War, operated by British forces.
The building is known for its connection to important events, like South Carolina declaring independence from Great Britain from its steps on March 28, 1776.
Visitors can explore its rich history at Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.
3. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is a historic estate near Charleston, South Carolina. Established in 1676, it is one of the oldest plantations in the South. The estate spans 464 acres.
Visitors can explore its romantic garden, Audubon Swamp, and the Ashley Riverwalk. The historic Magnolia house offers insights into the history of the area.
The plantation is famous for its Flowerdale garden, designed in 1685. Here, two of the largest Camellia plants in the country can be seen.
4. Angel Oak Tree
Angel Oak Tree is a remarkable Southern live oak located on Johns Island. Believed to be 400-500 years old, this ancient tree stands 65 feet tall and provides shade over an area of 17,000 square feet.
The tree is owned by the city of Charleston. Admission to see this natural wonder is free, though donations are welcomed to help with preservation.
Its longest branch reaches 187 feet, making it an impressive sight for visitors. This iconic tree attracts approximately 400,000 visitors each year.
More details can be found at the official Charleston website.
5. Greenville County Museum of Art
The Greenville County Museum of Art is located in Greenville, South Carolina. It houses a significant collection of American art.
The museum features works by notable artists like Andrew Wyeth, Jasper Johns, and Andy Warhol.
The building itself is an example of Brutalism, with a unique trapezoidal footprint. It draws design comparisons to the East Building of the National Gallery of Art.
The museum showcases regional art and contributions from South Carolina artists.
For more information, visit the Greenville County Museum of Art.
6. Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest private home in the United States. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, this grand mansion spans 250 rooms.
Construction began in 1889 and took six years to complete. The estate covers 8,000 acres and includes beautiful gardens and a winery.
This architectural marvel showcases Vanderbilt’s diverse tastes and provides a glimpse into the Gilded Age.
Learn more about the Biltmore Estate.
7. Calhoun Mansion
Calhoun Mansion is a grand Victorian home located in Charleston, South Carolina. Built in 1876, it is the largest privately-owned home in the city with 24,000 square feet of space.
This impressive mansion features 35 rooms, 23 fireplaces, and a towering cupola. It also boasts three-tiered piazzas and Italian water gardens that add to its charm.
Originally named after John Calhoun’s grandson, the mansion has since been renamed the Williams Mansion.
Its rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-see.
8. Aiken Rhett House
The Aiken-Rhett House, located at 48 Elizabeth Street in Charleston, is a prime example of antebellum architecture.
Built in 1820 by merchant John Robinson, the house remained in the Aiken-Rhett family for 142 years.
This historical home is notable for its well-preserved urban domestic complex.
The house and its outbuildings offer a comprehensive glimpse into life before the Civil War.
Its intricate detailing and preserved structures make it a must-see for anyone interested in the elegance of the period.
9. Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, is a 170-acre preserve and garden. The park features an 80-acre blackwater swamp filled with bald cypress and tupelo trees.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as guided boat tours for a small fee or explore the swamp on self-guided tours for free.
The garden is also known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes.
It provides a perfect spot for educational field trips and various group tours.
Learn more about the park here.
10. South Carolina State House
The South Carolina State House is located in Columbia. Construction began in 1854. The project faced delays due to the Civil War.
In 1865, during Gen. William T. Sherman’s campaign, the State House was hit by cannonballs. Marks from the shelling can still be seen on the building.
The architecture features a Greek Revival style.
The grounds include many monuments and statues, reflecting the state’s history and heritage.
Built meticulously over decades, it is a key historical and architectural site in South Carolina.
For more about the State House, visit the State House History.
11. The Dock Street Theatre
The Dock Street Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina, holds the title of the first building in America built exclusively for theater performances, established in 1736. It showcases a Federal architectural style from its reconstruction period around 1809.
This theatre features modern amenities from a $19 million renovation completed in 2010.
Visitors will experience state-of-the-art lighting and sound along with climate control and updated restrooms.
The building also incorporates the 19th-century facade of Planters’ Hotel, adding historical charm to its presence on Church Street.
The Dock Street Theatre remains a key piece of South Carolina’s architectural heritage.
12. Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is an 18th-century plantation house near Charleston, South Carolina. It is celebrated as the oldest preserved plantation house in the United States open to the public.
This iconic building is an exemplary model of Palladian architecture.
Located on the Ashley River, Drayton Hall has survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Visitors can explore its historical structures and rare 18th-century objects, which provide insight into early American history.
The estate’s collections include fine arts and historical artifacts that shed light on its storied past.
13. Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is a prominent sea fort in Charleston, South Carolina. Built on an artificial island, it was meant to guard against naval invasions after the War of 1812.
Construction began in 1829 but was incomplete by 1861. It became a crucial site during the Civil War when the first shots were fired here on April 12, 1861, starting the conflict.
The fortification endured significant bombardments throughout the war, leading to substantial damage.
Despite this, it remains a symbol of American resilience and history.
Today, it is part of Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, attracting many visitors each year.
14. Wormsloe Historic Site
Wormsloe Historic Site, near Savannah, Georgia, was originally known as Wormsloe Plantation. It covers 822 acres and includes a 1.5-mile avenue lined with live oaks.
Established by colonial founder Noble Jones around 1739, the site now features ruins, a museum, and hiking trails.
Visitors can explore the history of Georgia’s early settlers.
The visitor center offers short historical films and a gift shop.
Wormsloe Historic Site provides a picturesque journey through time, showcasing the legacy of Georgia’s colonial past.
Further details can be found at the Wormsloe Historic Site Wikipedia page.
15. Kaminski House Museum
The Kaminski House Museum is in Georgetown, South Carolina. This historic home, built by Paul Trapier in the 18th century, offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture and antiques.
Guided tours are available daily at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Visitors are encouraged to make reservations.
The museum shop is open from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Part of the Georgetown Historic District, it reflects the region’s rich history and Southern charm.
Come and explore the beauty and history of the Kaminski House.
16. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is an iconic attraction located on the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Standing 187 feet tall, it offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s skyline.
It features enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience comfortably.
At night, the wheel illuminates with over a million colorful lights, creating a mesmerizing display.
Since opening in 2011, the SkyWheel has become a must-see for tourists.
Its unique vantage point and impressive height make it a beloved landmark in the area.
For more details, visit SkyWheel’s official site.
17. Jonkonnu Cultural Center
The Jonkonnu Cultural Center showcases the rich traditions of the Jonkonnu festival. This celebration, with its roots in Africa, made its way to the Caribbean and later to Wilmington and eastern North Carolina.
Visitors can explore exhibits that trace the journey and evolution of Jonkonnu.
The center provides an educational experience, highlighting the cultural significance and vibrant history of the festival.
Interactive displays and performances offer an engaging way to learn about this unique and lively tradition.
The Jonkonnu Cultural Center serves as a vital link to understanding the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
18. Pendleton Historic District
Pendleton Historic District is located primarily in Anderson County, with parts extending into Pickens County. It was established in 1790 and is one of South Carolina’s oldest towns.
The district features over 50 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Notable landmarks include the Pendleton Presbyterian Church.
The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
For more details, visit the Pendleton Historic District page on Wikipedia.
19. Historic Brattonsville
Historic Brattonsville in York County, South Carolina, showcases over 30 structures from the 1760s to the late 19th century. These buildings demonstrate the evolution of Southern architecture and culture in the Carolina Piedmont.
Visitors can see homes built by the Bratton family between 1776 and 1855. This site also tells the story of African-Americans and Scots-Irish history in the South.
Learn more by visiting Historic Brattonsville.
20. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It preserves a portion of Charles Pinckney’s Snee Farm plantation.
Charles Pinckney was a principal author and signer of the United States Constitution. Visitors can learn about his role in early American politics and the operations of his plantation.
The site provides insight into the lives of the African people he enslaved and the legacy of Pinckney’s life.
This historic site offers a unique look into the past and its influence on Charleston.
Historical Significance of South Carolina Architecture
South Carolina’s architecture is a blend of various cultural influences and historic events.
Colonial Era Influence
Key periods include the Colonial Era and the Civil War, each leaving a unique mark on the state’s structural landscape.
The architecture of South Carolina during the colonial era reflects a mix of English building traditions and other cultural inputs. The English style was predominant, characterized by wooden structures and gabled roofs.
Notably, Charleston, the state’s oldest city, showcases numerous such buildings, highlighting the colonial influence.
Charleston has over 2,800 historic buildings, including homes and churches, illustrating its cultural and architectural heritage.
African slaves, Huguenot immigrants, and other groups brought unique styles and techniques, further enriching the architectural diversity.
These contributions can be seen in many historic estates and plantation houses that combine English design with local materials and craftsmanship.
Civil War Period Structures
The Civil War profoundly impacted South Carolina’s architecture. Many buildings from this period still stand today, bearing marks of the era’s turbulent history.
Structures such as the Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Camden, designed by Robert Mills, reflect the resilience and persistence of the period’s architectural styles.
During this time, buildings were often constructed with sturdier materials like brick and stone to withstand the harsher conditions.
The Bethesda Presbyterian Church, featuring a four-columned facade and brick design, is an excellent example of this trend. It survived despite the conflicts and offers a glimpse into the architectural priorities and styles of the Civil War period.
These structures serve as historical markers, preserving the stories and essence of the time.
Architectural Styles in South Carolina
South Carolina offers a rich tapestry of architectural styles, showcasing its historical and cultural evolution. Two prominent styles are Gothic Revival and Antebellum, each with its unique traits and historical significance.
Gothic Revival Architecture
Gothic Revival architecture in South Carolina can be seen in various churches and public buildings. This style, which emerged in the mid-19th century, features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
One iconic example is the Edmondston-Alston House in Charleston. It captures the essence of the Gothic Revival with its intricate detailing and vertical lines.
The First Baptist Church in Columbia is another notable example. Its tall spires and decorative elements draw the eye upwards, embodying the Gothic pursuit of height and light.
Gothic Revival buildings often used local materials like brick and timber, integrated with stained glass windows and ornate carvings. This style aimed to evoke the grandeur and spirituality of medieval Gothic cathedrals.
Antebellum Architecture
Antebellum architecture is associated with the period before the American Civil War, roughly from the 1820s to the 1860s. This style is characterized by grandiose mansions with Greek Revival and Neo-Classical influences.
Plantations such as Middleton Place in Charleston showcase this style with their grand columns, symmetrical facades, and expansive porches. Homes like the Heyward-Washington House embody the elegance and affluence of the era.
Typical features include wide verandas, tall windows, and intricate cornices. These homes were built for both beauty and function, often designed to provide airflow in the hot Southern climate.
Antebellum architecture reflects South Carolina’s historical wealth and social structure, capturing a bygone era with its imposing yet elegant designs.
Preservation and Restoration Efforts
Preservation and restoration efforts in South Carolina ensure that historic buildings remain a part of the state’s architectural heritage. Key organizations and notable projects have contributed significantly to these efforts.
Key Preservation Societies
Various organizations play a crucial role in the preservation of South Carolina’s historic buildings.
Preservation South Carolina is a leading group that works to maintain the state’s architectural and cultural heritage. Membership in this organization aids in advocating for and protecting historic sites across the state.
The SC Department of Archives and History collaborates with several other bodies to highlight significant preservation achievements. Together with the Office of the Governor, they recognize exceptional work through annual awards.
These societies not only focus on preserving buildings but also educate the public on the importance of architectural conservation.
Notable Restoration Projects
Several restoration projects highlight the dedication to preserving South Carolina’s historic buildings.
One such project involves the City of Columbia, where the preservation staff received the Preservation Service Award.
Their efforts in outreach and advocacy have helped protect many historic structures.
The 2024 Historic Preservation Awards recognized numerous projects that have made significant contributions to the field.
These projects often include the rehabilitation and interpretation of notable architectural and cultural sites across South Carolina.
Efforts in these projects ensure that historical structures continue to be a part of the community, preserving the past for future generations.