Ansonborough in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
William Rhett House
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, June 13, 2010
1. William Rhett House Marker
(Front side)
This house, built ca. 1712, is believed to be one of the oldest houses in Charleston. It was built for William Rhett (1666-1723), a merchant, sea captain, militia officer, and speaker of the Commons House of Assembly famous for capturing the pirate Steed Bonnet. In 1807 Christopher Fitzsimons (d. 1825), a merchant and planter, bought the house, renovating and enlarging it and adding its piazzas.
(Reverse side)
The asymmetrical plan of the house includes a central hall with two large rooms on the western side and two slightly smaller rooms on the eastern side. With the relative decline of “Rhettsbury” in the early 20th century the house was a boarding house during the 1920s and 30s. Its restoration by Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin R. Kittredge, Jr., who bought it in 1941, was one of the first in this part of Charleston.
Erected 2002 by Historic Charleston Foundation. (Marker Number 10-43.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1712.
Location. 32° 46.983′ N, 79° 55.827′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in Ansonborough. Marker is at the intersection
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Col. William Rhett House (here, next to this marker); Trinity Methodist Church Original Site / William Hammett (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peter's Catholic Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William C. McElheran House (about 300 feet away); Jones-Howell House (about 400 feet away); A History of Courtenay Square (about 500 feet away); Dr. Joseph Johnson House (about 500 feet away); Schreiner-Comerford House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.
More about this marker. Although the marker is erected as 10-4, it is actually designated 10-43 according to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, June 13, 2010
2. William Rhett House Marker
Reverse side
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, June 13, 2010
3. William Rhett House
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, June 13, 2010
4. William Rhett House
Internet Archive
5. Rhett House
from The Biographical Dictionary of America, 1906, by Rossiter Johnson.
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, June 13, 2010
6. William Rhett House
Photographed By Michael Sean Nix, 0
7. William Rhett House
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2010, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 897 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 13, 2010, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. 5. submitted on July 29, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6, 7. submitted on June 13, 2010, by Michael Sean Nix of Spartanburg, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
