Thornwell Orphanage

Thornwell is an orphanage with a campus featuring multiple granite buildings spread across its grounds. The individual cottages are designed so that small groups of children can live together there under supervision.

The facility was founded in 1875 by Reverend William Plumer Jacobs, who began with an initial group of ten orphaned children. An early supporter was ten-year-old Willie Anderson, who made the first donation to the project.

The orphanage uses a family-style cottage system where small groups of children live together under caretaker supervision. This approach creates closer bonds between the children and the adults responsible for them in daily life.

The facility is located on South Broad Street in downtown Clinton, directly across from Presbyterian College. The grounds are walkable and the site currently offers support services for children and families in the area.

The grounds are part of the Thornwell-Presbyterian College Historic District, which was added to the National Register in 1982. This recognition honors the architectural and historical importance of both neighboring institutions.

Location: Clinton

Inception: 1875

Website: https://thornwell.org

GPS coordinates: 34.89100,-81.16450

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:20