67. 116 Broad Street
John Rutledge House
circa 1763
John Rutledge, one of the signers of the U.S. Constitution, built his home in 1763. Subsequent owners included a Revolutionary patriot, a slave trader, and a mayor of Charleston, R. Goodwyn Rhett. It was during Rhett’s ownership, as local tradition says, that his butler, William Deas, invented she crab soup in honor of a visit from U.S. President William Howard Taft. The home has been exquisitely restored to showcase the beautiful details of the home’s 18th and 19th century architecture. Today it is one of only fifteen surviving homes belonging to the signers of the Constitution, and the only one to now accommodate overnight hotel guests. |
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68. 202 King Street
Fulton Lane Inn
circa 1912
The three story building of pressed brick with granite trim on the yellow brick facade was built in 1912 for John Rugheimer, Sons, merchant tailors. A native of Germany, Rugheimer founded the business in 1864, after an injury incurred while blockade running for the Confederacy barred him from sea duty. The business continued in operation until 1972. Now restored and operating as the Fulton Lane Inn, the cherry décor highlights cathedral ceilings and fine furnishings. |
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69. 198 King Street
Kings Courtyard Inn
circa 1853
Built in 1853, this three-story antebellum structure was built by architect Francis D. Lee for local merchant Col. John Charles Blum. It consists of two buildings in an identical Italianate style to give the impression of one large block. As one of King Street’s largest and oldest structures, it has had many uses in the 150 year existence, including high quality shops, private residences, and at one time, the upper floors were used as a hotel. The building was renovated in 1982-83 and returned to its original use as the Kings Courtyard Inn. |
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70. 198 King Street
Wentworth Mansion
circa 1886
Originally known as the Rodgers’ Mansion, this structure is considered Charleston’s best example of the Second Empire style. It was built in 1885-87 by architect Daniel G. Waynes as an opulent private residence for Francis Silas Rodgers, a wealthy cotton factor, phosphate manufacturer and shipper. The interior is finished in mahogany, oak and walnut, with tile floors and ornate plasterwork, marble mantels, Tiffany stained glass windows, and crystal chandeliers. It is now operated as the Wentworth Mansion downtown Charleston’s only AAA Five Diamond hotel. |
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