Means-Gage House
National Register Listing
Street Address:
1207 Bay St., Beaufort, SC (Beaufort County)
Alternate Name:
The Bluff House
NRHP Nomination
NRHP Maps
Record Number:
S10817707077
Description and Narrative:
The Means-Gage House is individually listed in the National Register for its association with local Reconstruction-era politician and civil servant George Gage and for its architecture. Gage served a number of roles in Reconstruction-era Beaufort and its political and economic development, and he served as a link between the town and the larger context of state and national politics through his connections to important Republican politicians. Gage owned and occupied the house from 1872 until his death in 1904, spending his productive years there. During his ownership, Gage installed a second story to the porch, in keeping with southern Neoclassical Revival tastes of the late nineteenth century. Other aspects of the house’s architecture are indicative of Beaufort’s golden age in the early Republic, when a small group of elite planters and professionals built stately Adam style homes. The house features characteristic Federal architectural traits (symmetry, central hall plan, simple Neoclassical details) but also has features that are unique to the Beaufort area, namely the T-shaped plan with projected reverse gable on the rear of the house, and the slight asymmetry of the rear bays to capture prevailing breezes. The interior retains finely carved Adam style mantel pieces, paneling, and cornices. The Means-Gage House was previously listed as a contributor to the Beaufort Historic District, wherein it was identified as the Robert Means House. Listed individually in the National Register October 15, 2020.
Period of Significance:
1790;1872 – 1904
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Social History;Politics/Government
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
October 15 2020
