Located on Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina, the John Rutledge House stands as a captivating testament to American history and architectural elegance. This iconic building, now operating as the John Rutledge House Inn, offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Holy City. Originally built in 1763 for John Rutledge and his young bride, Elizabeth Grimke, the house has witnessed centuries of Charleston’s evolution and played a significant role in the lives of prominent South Carolinians.
John Rutledge himself was a pivotal figure in early American history. Serving as president of South Carolina and later as the state’s first governor, Rutledge’s leadership was crucial during the Revolutionary War period. His contributions extended to the national stage as well, serving as a delegate to the United States Constitutional Convention and later as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. His career culminated as Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, solidifying his legacy as a distinguished statesman and legal mind.
The John Rutledge House transitioned through different owners after Rutledge sold it before his death in 1800. In 1853, Thomas Gadsden, a slave trader, acquired the property and significantly altered its appearance by adding a third floor. This renovation also brought distinctive architectural elements, including terra cotta window cornices and elaborate cast and wrought ironwork. The ironwork, adorning the balcony, stair rail, and fence, is attributed to the skilled German ironworker Christopher Werner. Werner’s signature style, also seen in Charleston’s Sword Gates and The Citadel, is evident in the palmetto trees and eagles incorporated into the iron designs, believed to symbolize Rutledge’s statesmanship.
The John Rutledge House bears visible scars of history, including damage from the Civil War, with a cannonball mark still evident on the third floor. Despite this, the house endured and continued to be a landmark in downtown Charleston. In 1902, it became the residence of Robert Goodwyn Rhett, then mayor of Charleston. A local legend connects the house to the creation of she-crab soup, supposedly invented by a butler named William Deas to impress President William Howard Taft during a visit to Mayor Rhett.
Beyond its residential use, the John Rutledge House has served various community functions. In 1948, it became the Gaud School for Boys, which later merged to form Porter-Gaud School. After the school relocated, the house was used for offices and apartments before falling vacant in the 1980s. Recognizing its historical importance, Richard Widman undertook a restoration project in 1988, and in 1989, the John Rutledge House Inn opened its doors. Today, it stands as a celebrated inn, inviting guests to experience the charm and history of Charleston within the walls of a truly significant landmark. The John Rutledge House is rightfully listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural and historical importance to the nation.
