Ansonborough in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Dr. Joseph Johnson House
56 Society Street
— circa 1840 —
Dr. Joseph Johnson (1776-1862), medical scientist, astronomer, author, and historian, built this house for his wife Katherine Bonneau Johnson. He served as president of the Medical Society of South Carolina 1808 to 1809, president of the Charleston branch of the Second Bank of the United States from 1818 to 1825, and intendant (mayor) of Charleston 1825 to 1826. Dr. Johnson performed extensive research on the causes of yellow fever, and wrote the book Traditions and Reminiscences, Chiefly of the American Revolution in the South (1851). Dr. Johnson was the son of William Johnson, a prominent Revolutionary War leader in South Carolina.
American painter Edward Hopper used this house as the subject for Charleston Doorway during his brief visit to Charleston in 1929.
British author Gordon Langley Hall (1937-2000) purchased the property in 1962 and restored it as part of the Ansonborough Rehabilitation Project. Hall, a hermaphrodite who, as Dawn Pepita Hall, married here in 1969 resulting in the first licensed interracial marriage in Charleston.
Erected 2008 by The Preservation Society of Charleston.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Preservation Society of Charleston series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 32° 47.062′ N, 79° 55.876′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in Ansonborough. Marker is on Society Street, on the left when traveling east. Located between Meeting and Anson Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 56 Society Street, Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); William C. McElheran House (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peter's Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker); A History of Courtenay Square (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Noyer-Wildhagen House (about 500 feet away); William Rhett House (about 500 feet away); Col. William Rhett House (about 600 feet away); 14 George Street (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.
Additional keywords. LGBT, LGBTQ, intersex persons
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,754 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 13, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.