Claussen House
National Register Listing
Street Address:
5109 Old River Rd., Florence, SC (Florence County)
Alternate Name:
Howard-Harllee-Claussen House
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817721005
Description and Narrative:
(Howard-Harllee-Claussen House) Constructed ca. 1830, the Claussen House is an excellent local example of early nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture and late nineteenth century Italianate style alterations and additions. Built in the raised cottage form, the house is likely one of the most distinguished of its type throughout the upland coastal plain of South Carolina. The house was built for Charles Brown Howard, a planter and merchant. After he died in 1834, his wife married Dr. Robert Harllee, a prominent local physician who was actively involved in state government as a state representative and state senator. In 1870, he sold 1,150 acres, including the house, to Frederick W. Claussen of Charleston. In 1873 Claussen sold 210 acres, including the house, to his nephew William Frederick Claussen, who remodeled the house, expanded his holdings, and planted tobacco and cotton as cash crops on the property. William Claussen also introduced and experimented with several varieties of grapes and pecans on the property. The house remained in the Claussen family until 1985. The house also has a significant collection of domestic and agricultural outbuildings, including a smokehouse, gardener’s cottage, hothouse/greenhouse, chicken coop/outhouse, and carriage shed. Listed in the National Register April 11, 2001.
Period of Significance:
circa 1830 – 1880
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Architecture
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
April 11 2001
