Historic Properties

Brock-Brown-Hall House
708 S. McDuffie St.
This building was established c. 1893 by James Albert Brock, banker and pioneer textile leader. The Victorian home was built in the former rose garden of “Echo Hall,” home of Judge J.P. Reed, who was the father of Mrs. Brock. The home was next occupied by the Brocks’ daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Brown, and then by Mr. and Mrs. White Jones.

Caldwell-Johnson-Morris Cottage
220 E. Morris St.
The Caldwell-Johnson-Morris Cottage was built c. 1851 by Nancy M. Caldwell, a widow of a circuit judge. In 1853, she sold the home to Dr. William Bullein Johnson, a Baptist minister and educator who was credited for the founding of several churches and schools in South Carolina as well as being a pioneer in promoting the education of women. Dr. Johnson assumed the role of chancellor and teacher at Johnson Female University, the forerunner of Anderson University. In 1858 the home was sold again, this time to Mrs. Edward Morris and her four daughters, who were from Charleston. The Morris family occupied the home for seventy years. In 1974 the house was opened as a Museum and was converted into the Morris Street Tea Room in 1980.

The Calhoun Historic Lofts (John C. Calhoun Hotel)
402 N. Main St.
The John C. Calhoun Hotel welcomed its first guests in 1925. Designed by architects James J. Baldwin and James H. Casey, the hotel was built by the Fiske-Carter Construction Company, one of largest contractors in South Carolina in the 1920s. The Calhoun is once again welcoming people to Downtown Anderson with its luxury condominiums and was a film site for the movie 'Leatherheads.'

Carnegie Library Building
(Arts Center)
405 N. Main St.
The Carnegie Library was formed by the Women's Christian Temperance Union's Library Association. Construction began in 1905 and opened the library opened its door on February 27, 1908. Andrew Carnegie donated money for the library, Col. Joseph Newton Brown provided the property, and G.B. Casey was the architect. The library remained at this location until 1971. Currently, it has been adapted for use as part of the Arts Center.

Chiquola Hotel (Plaza Hotel)
100 W. Whitner St.
Built on the site of the Old Waverly House, the "Anderson Hotel Company" was erected by the Grand Lodge A.F.M. of South Carolina R.F. Divver Grand Master in 1888. The Chiquola opened with a Grand Ball on December 31, 1889 with guests from Augusta, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Music for the ball was provided by the Italian String Band of Charlotte. The hotel has been renovated into a restaurant, 15 condos, and several store fronts. Several visitors have stated that they have seen an apparition of a lady in a long white dress at this location.

Christopher Orr Tavern
407 Manning St.
Christopher Orr, mercantile operator of the Craytonville Community, moved to Anderson c. 1830. He was married to Martha McCann, and they were the parents of Govenor James L. Orr. The home was originally located on E. Benson Street and moved to its present location c. 1835 by rolling it on logs to Manning Street. It is renowned to be the first house in Anderson to have a basement, marble mantles, and telephone. It is now the private residence of Mr. and Mrs. Henry West.

Earle-Broyles-Acker House/Evergreen
1103 S. Main St.
This home was built c. 1835 by Samuel G. Earle as a winter home so that his children could attend school. The house is known as “Evergreen” after the Earles’ “Evergreen” plantation home off of Highway 29 South, on Highway 187.

Historic Anderson County Courthouse
100 Main St.
Anderson County’s second Courthouse, dedicated in 1898, is on the site of the original 1820 courthouse. The building originally had a large turret and balcony, which were removed when the building was remodeled in 1939. The clock face and bell in the tower are the same ones used in the original 1820 Courthouse. The bell, dated 1856, was presented to Anderson County by the City of Anderson and was first rung by Judge J.P. Reed.

The Palmetto Building (Sullivan Hardware Warehouse)
201 S. Murray Ave.
Once the Sullivan Hardware Warehouse, the Palmetto Building is a three story brick building constructed in 1909. Architect Frank Clark renovated the structure for professional office space.

Sullivan Hardware
208 S. Main St.
J.M. Sullivan and C.S. Mattison began a general merchandise store in 1875 on Benson Street. Mattison sold his interest to Sullivan, and the store became Sullivan and Brother in 1882. In 1885, N.B. Sullivan joined the business, and the store became Sullivan Hardware. By 1901, Sullivan Hardware had become one of the largest hardware stores in the state of South Carolina. The Sullivan Hardware company moved in 1904 to the building known as “Hill Block,” which housed the “Alliance Store,” a general merchandise store. This building was established c. 1881, and you can still see the “H” along the front panel of the building just above the awnings. The name “Hill” on top of the building was changed to “Sullivan,” along with additional renovations, when the Sullivans purchased it. The building is now occupied by several businesses, including Sullivan's Metropolitan Grill.

Sullivan-King Mortuary (The Federal Building)
401 N. Main St.
The Federal Building was built c. 1909 as a Post Office with James Knox Taylor as the supervising architect. The building currently houses the Sullivan-King Mortuary.

Wilhite House
604 S. McDuffie St.
The Wilhite House was originally the home of Dr. P.A. Wilhite and his wife, Miss Cora Hillis. Dr. Wilhite is renowned as the discoverer of the anesthesia ether, and he was also worked as a physician and operated a drug store. The 6,000 square foot mansion was built in 1858. The home is currently occupied by Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Monroe, the fifth owners of the home.

William Bullein Johnson House
307 S. Manning St.
William Bullein Johnson founded the Johnson Female University in 1848, known as Johnson Female Seminary. Johnson, who lived in the house from 1853 to 1858, was President of Triennial Southern, South Carolina Baptist Conventions.