Louis DeSaussure House, Antebellum house in Charleston, United States.
The Louis DeSaussure House is a three-story masonry structure with two adjacent parlors and covered piazzas facing south at 1 East Battery Street. The property consists of separate sections, with the carriage house now designated as 2 South Battery.
The house was completed in 1859 by architect William Jones as a residence for a wealthy family. During the Civil War, the building sustained damage when cannon fire struck the structure in 1865, with a fragment remaining embedded in the roof.
The house reflects the building style typical of Charleston during the antebellum period, with its characteristic layout and the later balconies added to the East Battery facade. Visitors can observe how the architecture mirrors the lifestyle of the wealthy families who lived in this area.
The building sits at a prominent corner location where East Battery and South Battery meet, making it easy to spot from the waterfront. Visitors should note that the structure is typically viewed from the street, as interior access may not always be available.
Beyond its architecture, the house carries an unexpected chapter from World War II when it served as housing for Navy officers stationed in Charleston. This transition shows how historic structures adapted to meet different needs across generations.
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