Joseph Manigault House

Built in 1803, the Joseph Manigault House is one of Charleston's most exquisite antebellum structures, and YOU can visit! What's unique about this historic building, is that it can give you an insight into the urban lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family, as well as the enslaved African Americans who lived there in the 19th century.

It's literally like jumping into a history book!

When you enter the building the striking spiral staircase will stand out in the impressive central hall. You can really imagine what it would have been like to welcome guests over a century ago!

What's also special about the Joseph Manigault House is that many of the rooms are restored to their original color schemes, and feature historic pieces from the Charleston Museum's collection, really capturing the essence of the history.

During your time at the house, make sure you explore the gardens too, with many historical outbuildings, including kitchen, slave quarters, a stable, and a privy. All of these are marked with interpretive signs so you can read all about their role within the property, and the people who used them.

It's also a fascinating insight into the Manigault's themselves, their French Huguenot ancestry and how they prospered as rice planters and merchants in the 18th century, becoming one of South Carolina's leading families.

Today, the Joseph Manigault House is owned by the Charleston Museum (which is also worth a visit!) ensuring its preservation into the future!