Foster's Tavern
National Register Listing
Street Address:
191 Cedar Spring Rd., Spartanburg, SC (Spartanburg County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817742005
Description and Narrative:
Located at the intersection of the old Pickneyville and Georgia roads, a well-traveled stage route, Foster’s Tavern has been a historic and architecturally unique upcountry landmark for more than 150 years. Not only is it an imposing reminder of stagecoach days, but its association with such nationally prominent leaders such as John C. Calhoun and Bishop Francis Asbury also add to its historic significance. The southwest corner room on the tavern’s second floor is traditionally called the John C. Calhoun Room; other guests always moved out when Calhoun stopped here on his travels between Columbia and Fort Hill. In an 1810 diary, Bishop Asbury, who founded Methodism in South Carolina, mentions stopping at Foster’s Tavern. The tavern was built by Anthony Foster and appears on the Robert Mills atlas of 1825. Begun about 1801, this painstakingly crafted mansion took seven years or more to complete. It is constructed of bricks handmade in the area and features “tied” chimneys at each end of a gable roof and handcarved woodwork including two rare bowed mantels. The entrance portico was added in 1845 and the porches about 1915. Listed in the National Register December 18, 1970.
Period of Significance:
1808;1801 – 1807
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Archeology: Historic - Aboriginal;Transportation
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
December 18 1970
