Visit the Heyward-Washington House

Constructed in the early 1770s, the Heyward-Washington House was the home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Raised in a wealthy family that made their money from the forced labor of enslaved Africans, Heyward was well educated and became involved in South Carolina politics.

 

Heyward also supported independence from Britain and fought in several notable battles during the American Revolution. During the Siege of Charleston, residents fought to protect the city from the British but were eventually forced to surrender. After the battle, British troops arrested Heyward at his home and imprisoned him in the Old Exchange Building in Charleston. He was eventually sent to St. Augustine, Florida until freed in a prisoner-exchange.

 

The revolutionary war veteran became involved in politics and served in various branches of government. Heyward also hosted President George Washington during his tour of the country in 1791. The house was subsequently called the Heyward-Washington House.

 

After retiring from public service, Heyward sold the property to John Grimké, an officer in the Revolutionary War. Similar to the Heyward family, the Grimkés were elite members of Charleston society who prospered from the institution of slavery. John Grimké and his family spent time at both their plantation home as well as their house in Charleston. Grimké was a slave-owner, yet his daughters, Sarah and Angelina Grimké, were outspoken critics of slavery. The two women became several of the first female abolitionists in America. After leaving home and relocating to Philadelphia in the 1820s, the sisters began speaking out against slavery. At this time, it was unusual for women to speak publically, and they drew national attention. Later, both women became active in the early women’s suffrage movement.

 

Over the next century, the property changed hands several times until it was acquired by the Charleston Museum in 1929. The following year, the Heyward-Washington house opened to the public as the city’s first historic house museum. In 1978, the house was designated a National Historic Landmark.

 

Explore More!

• After your visit to the Heyward-Washington House, take a five-minute stroll to the Exchange & Provost Building. Completed in 1771, the building served as a public market and meeting place. During the Revolutionary War, the British seized the city of Charleston and used the Exchange & Provost Building as a prison.

• The Heyward-Washington House is cared for by the Charleston Museum. Discover more of the city’s history at the museum’s main location at 360 Meeting Street. In addition to highlighting the natural and cultural history of the region, the museum also offers exhibits, programs, and tours for adults and children.
  
   

Return to the Resilience & Freedom Trip Idea or discover more of Charleston’s stories.

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

Activity

Guided Tours

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No