Located in the downtown Historic District, within the area of the original walled city, this brick double house was built in 1772 by rice planter Daniel Heyward as a town-house for his son, Thomas Heyward, Jr. The City rented it for George Washingtons use during the Presidents week-long Charleston stay, in May 1791, and it has traditionally been called the Heyward-Washington House.
Thomas Heyward, Jr. (1746-1809) was a patriot leader, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The home boasts a collection of Charleston-made furniture including the priceless Holmes Bookcase, considered to be the finest example of American-made furniture. Other buildings on the site include the carriage shed, with an 18th-century well, and the kitchen building. There is also an exquisite formal garden featuring plants familiar to Charleston in the late 18th century.
They Heyward-Washington House is open Monday through Saturday. Guided tours are available with the last tour at 4:30 p.m.