Barnwell-Gough House

National Register Listing

Street Address:

705 Washington St., Beaufort, SC (Beaufort County)

Alternate Name:

Old Barnwell House

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817707012

Description and Narrative:

(Old Barnwell House) Built in 1789, the Barnwell-Gough House is a noteworthy example of Adam style architecture adapted to local building materials, in this case, tabby, a cement mixture using oyster shells. This large two-story house with a hipped roof rests on a raised basement. Exterior walls are made of tabby covered with stucco. Façade features a double-tiered, pedimented portico mounted on an arcaded base. A flight of seven stone steps flanked with curved stone abutments leads to the first level of the portico. The portico shelters a central entrance which is surmounted with a transom and features a decorative Adamesque surround with fluted pilasters. The pediment is unadorned. Wings extend from the east and west sides of the building. The house was built for Elizabeth Barnwell Gough, whose grandfather, Colonel John Barnwell, built Fort King George on the Altamaha River in 1721 to protect the colony of South Carolina from Spanish encroachment to the south. Elizabeth’s husband, Richard, served as a representative in the South Carolina General Assembly. Listed in the National Register November 15, 1972.

Period of Significance:

1789;18th century

Level of Significance:

State

Area of Significance:

Military;Architecture;Politics/Government

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

November 15 1972

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