South of Broad in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
37 Meeting Street
James Simmons House
— circa 1760 —
Photographed By Mike Stroud
1. 37 Meeting Street Marker
Award 1986
Carolopolis
Condita A.D.
1670
Preservation Society of Charleston
Charlestonian James Simmons is believed to have built this Georgian style house circa 1760. It is located on Lot 278 of the "Grand Model of Charles Town", the earliest plan of the city. Otis Mills, the original owner of the Mills House bought the property in 1846. At the time of Mills' purchase, the Meeting Street facade had been altered with the addition of two projecting bays.
The house served as "Executive Headquarters" and home to Confederate General Pierre T.G. Beauregard. He led the capture of Ft. Sumter in 1861 and organized the defense of the city against Union forces and the attack on the Federal blockade fleet.
Erected 2004 by Preservation Society of Charleston.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Preservation Society of Charleston series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1760.
Location. 32° 46.382′ N, 79° 55.842′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in South of Broad. Marker is on Meeting Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37 Meeting Street, Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old St. Michael’s Rectory (a few steps from this marker); 36 Meeting Street
this page online
Also see . . .
1. The buildings of Charleston: a guide to the city's architecture; 37 Meeting Street. By Jonathan H. Poston, Historic Charleston Foundation (Charleston, S.C.), page 259 (Submitted on October 4, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. Georgian Architecture. Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. (Submitted on June 24, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
3. Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard. Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard (May 28, 1818 – February 20, 1893) was a Louisiana-born American military officer, politician, inventor, writer, civil servant, and the first prominent general of the Confederate
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2011
2. 37 Meeting Street Marker, at left
Additional commentary.
1. Thomas Hanscome willed 37 Meeting street to his son James in 1789
There is no mention on your site of my ancestors owning 37 Meeting Street. I am looking at Thomas Hanscome's will 9/21/1789, which states, "I give and devise to my said son James and his heirs forever, my house and lot in Charleston on the East side of Meeting Street, known and distinguished by the number thirty seven, which I bought of John Todd and William Pitt." How could James Simmons have owned it at the same time?
— Submitted August 5, 2016, by Joan Dickinson of Bradenton, Florida.
2. Selling of house broke records.
In 1846, Otis Mills, the original owner of the Mills House bought the property for less than $10,000.
The home went on to break records in 2009 when it acquired the title of “the most expensive house sold in Charleston”. It was sold for $7.37 million in May of 2009 and held the title until 2015.
In 2016, the 8,000 square foot home was sold again for $7.51 million.
Photographed By Mike Stroud
3. 37 Meeting Street
3. House numbering system of 1780
Though this house is numbered 37 today, that would not have been the case in the late 1700’s. Houses on Meeting were numbered from 1 starting at the battery and going to the city limits then continuing down the other side of the street. This particular property was probably No. 68 in 1782 (based on references to adjacent properties). Therefore, a house called No. 37 in 1780 would have been a different property.
— Submitted September 8, 2023, by John DeBardeleben of Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 19, 2011
4. 37 Meeting Street
James Simmons House
James Simmons House
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 19, 2011
5. 37 Meeting Street
James Simmons House Balcony
James Simmons House Balcony
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 19, 2011
6. 37 Meeting Street
James Simmons House Gate
James Simmons House Gate
Photographed By Brian Scott, circa 1862
7. Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard
May 28, 1818 – February 20, 1893
May 28, 1818 – February 20, 1893
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,252 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 24, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
