Bruce, Donald, House

National Register Listing

Street Address:

SE of Orangeburg on U.S. 301, Orangeburg, SC city vicinity (Orangeburg County)

Alternate Name:

Middlepen Plantation

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817738005

Description and Narrative:

(Middlepen Plantation) The Donald Bruce House is one of the oldest surviving structures in the Orangeburg area. According to local tradition, it was used as headquarters during the Revolution by both Governor John Rutledge and by the British commander, Lord Francis Rawdon. The house is named for Donald Bruce, prominent merchant, local public official and member of the South Carolina General Assembly during the Revolution. The house is also significant as an example of 18th century vernacular architecture. The house is believed to have been constructed before the American Revolution, however the actual date of construction is uncertain. Originally built in downtown Orangeburg, the house was moved to Middlepen Plantation ca. 1837. One hundred years later, the house would make a second move, one hundred yards to its present location. The two-story frame structure features a two-tiered front piazza, pegged construction, hand-wrought nails and handmade hardware. Constructed of pine, the house has wide flush boards on the front and clapboards on other sides. Listed in the National Register December 1, 1978.

Period of Significance:

1837

Level of Significance:

Local

Area of Significance:

Politics/Government;Architecture;Other

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

December 1 1978

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