Gov. Thomas Bennett House

The Gov. Thomas Bennett House is a Federal-style mansion in Charleston with a double-house floor plan that separates four rooms on each level using central corridors. The building displays early 19th-century architecture featuring proportioned spaces and refined interior finishes throughout.

This residence was built in 1825 and belonged to Thomas Bennett Jr., who served as South Carolina's governor from 1820 to 1822. The home's completion came during a period when Charleston was flourishing as a wealthy port city.

The rooms display skilled craftsmanship from the Federal period through intricate moldings, woodwork, and decorative plaster details that visitors can see firsthand. These elements reflect how prosperous residents of Charleston expressed their taste and status through interior design.

The property functions today as a venue for weddings and corporate events, managed by a local foundation. Visitors should check ahead about access since the space is often in use for private occasions.

The mansion contains one of only two cantilevered staircases in Charleston, with the other found at the Nathaniel Russell House nearby. This structural feature was a rare and technically ambitious solution for the era.

Location: Charleston

GPS coordinates: 32.78139,-79.94722

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40