
William Blacklock House, Charleston
Built in 1800 for William Blacklock, a prominent British merchant and member of Charleston's Bank of the United States, this house is not only one of the most significant Adamesque residences in the country but also one of the earliest permanent homes in the Harleston Village, which was once considered a suburban retreat. In the early 19th century, properties located to the north of the old city offered residents a more secluded atmosphere compared to the bustling downtown area, contrary to the density surrounding the house today.
While the architect remains unknown, speculation suggests the double house may have been designed by either William Drayton or Gabriel Manigault, the latter being Charleston's renowned gentleman architect. Symmetrical in both plan and elevation, it features Palladian proportions and reflects the high-style Federal aesthetic of the era. Architectural elements include a frieze with a rosette motif, swags, dentils, and block modillions characteristic of the Federal style. The north façade highlights a Palladian window centered within the façade, while a porch on the north side connects to a recently added free-standing elevator tower. Furthermore, the structure is adorned with intricate motifs such as egg and dart, bead and reel, dentils, swags, cherubs, vases, and fluttering ribbons on mantels and surrounds, showcasing the high-style mannerisms of the era's architecture.
The Blacklock House underwent a major restoration in 1937, and received recognition as a National Historic Landmark in 1973 due to its architectural significance and exceptional design quality. A year later it was acquired by the College of Charleston, now housing its Office of Alumni Relations. The property additionally includes two outbuildings, each of which have Gothic Revival features.
While the architect remains unknown, speculation suggests the double house may have been designed by either William Drayton or Gabriel Manigault, the latter being Charleston's renowned gentleman architect. Symmetrical in both plan and elevation, it features Palladian proportions and reflects the high-style Federal aesthetic of the era. Architectural elements include a frieze with a rosette motif, swags, dentils, and block modillions characteristic of the Federal style. The north façade highlights a Palladian window centered within the façade, while a porch on the north side connects to a recently added free-standing elevator tower. Furthermore, the structure is adorned with intricate motifs such as egg and dart, bead and reel, dentils, swags, cherubs, vases, and fluttering ribbons on mantels and surrounds, showcasing the high-style mannerisms of the era's architecture.
The Blacklock House underwent a major restoration in 1937, and received recognition as a National Historic Landmark in 1973 due to its architectural significance and exceptional design quality. A year later it was acquired by the College of Charleston, now housing its Office of Alumni Relations. The property additionally includes two outbuildings, each of which have Gothic Revival features.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
William Blacklock House on Map
Sight Name: William Blacklock House
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Charleston, South Carolina
Create Your Own Walk in Charleston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Charleston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Houses Tour
Charleston is steeped in history. Walking the colorful, narrow cobblestone streets of one of America's oldest towns, with its stunningly preserved colonial homes, you can see its story play out before your eyes practically everywhere you turn. Indeed, Charleston is among the most celebrated places in the U.S. to explore fine examples of American architecture and its progression through time.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Downtown Historical Churches Tour
Charleston is also sometimes called the Holy City. That is because it is the home of a large number of churches. The city has many outstanding and fascinating religious structures. Take this self guided walk to see the most popular churches in Downtown Charleston.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Charleston Introduction Walking Tour
A popular tourist destination and a major port city in South Carolina, Charleston is fit to impress anyone with its Southern charm, friendliness, and rich history. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England, this was the first comprehensively planned town in America.
The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
French Quarter Walking Tour
A historic district in downtown Charleston, The French Quarter is named so for the high concentration of French merchants that once lived in the area and left their mark on it. The name was coined in 1973, when preservation efforts began for warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block. That same year the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The busy neighbourhood... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
The busy neighbourhood... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Harleston Village Walking Tour
First established in 18th century, Harleston Village is an old and popular neighborhood in Charleston. College of Charleston, one of the oldest universities in the country, was founded here in 1770. The area is dotted with Georgian and Italian architectural buildings. Among them, the former houses of John Rutledge and Edward Rutledge, two signers of Declaration of Independence, are beautifully... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles