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Hanover is the only house in the proposed region of inundation, the loss of which can be considered of national importance.
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Over 50 years ago, a 225-year old Lowcountry house was saved from destruction and given a new lease on life as an historic museum in Clemson. The Hanover house stands as the last replica of French Huguenot design in the country. Unfortunately, the house stood in the way of the proposed flooding on the Santee-Cooper region near Charleston. In an effort to save the house, it was proposed to move the entire structure to Clemson, the site of the only architecture school in the state. The move left the house originally on the eastern side of the Clemson campus. Due to development, the house was moved again three years ago to the South Carolina Botanical Garden. It now stands among other buildings of historical importance.
Paul de St. Julien
In 1685, Louis XIV of France overturned the Edict of Nantes, which had guartanteed religious freedom for the French Huguenot minority in France. With the ensuing religious persecution, many Huguenots fled their homeland and went to England. Once there, they boarded ships and began the dangerous journey to the New World. One of those travelers was Pierre Julien and his wife, Jeanne Le Febure de St. Julien. The St. Juliens arrived in South Carolina in 1685, accompanied by their friend, Rene Ravenel. The following year, Pierre St. Julien, son of Pierre St. Julien, married Damaris Elizabeth Le Surrurier. His son was Paul de St. Julien, the builder of Hanover House. Paul completed the house in 1716 in present day Berkeley County, South Carolina. Originally, the plans for the house called for an all brick structure. However, Paul used all his bricks in completing the basement and the triple-flue chimneys. The wood selected for the house was cypress, which is part of the reason why the house has survived. Paul married Mary Amy Ravenel, daughter of Rene Ravenel.
Successive Owners
In 1741, Paul de St. Julien died. His daughter, Mary, inherited Hanover. She married Henry Ravenel. In addition to Hanover, Henry owned two other plantations, Brunswick and Pooshee. He was known, however, as "Henry of Hanover." Portraits of Henry's parents hang in two rooms in the house. His father was Rene Louis Ravenel. His portrait hangs in the drawing room on the first floor, the largest room in the house. The other significant portrait is of Suzanne L. Noble Chastaigner Ravenel, mother of Henry Ravenel. This hangs in the magnificant dining room. Henry and Mary Ravenel had sixteen children in the house. Several of their sons served in the Revolutionary War under the command of Francis Marion, the infamous "Swamp Fox." The house remained in the family's possession until 1904. Upon Henry's death in 1785, the house was purchased by his son, Stephen. Stephen, who served in the South Carolina legislature, held the house until his death in 1819. Stephen's brother, Daniel James Ravenel, was the next owner. By 1833, the ownership had passed to Daniel's nephew, Henry Le Noble Stevens. In 1862, Henry was killed in the Battle of Second Bull Run, and his wife took over Hanover. Henrietta S. Gaillard lived there until 1904.
Restoration
To move a house is a large task. To move a house that has stood for over two-hundred years, is monumental. To move the house, workers removed each brick, one at a time, and photographd each beam in the house. Like a large jigsaw puzzle, the house was taken down and reassembled in Clemson. The interior of the house is decorated with period pieces and items donated by the Ravenel family. Some of the key items are showcased in this document.
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As stated earlier, the furnishings in the house are either reproductions or donations made by the Ravenel family. When the house was found and moved, it had been heavily vandalized and abandoned for years. Upon entering the house, the parlor on the left holds many interesting items. The curtains which hang from the ceiling to the floor are replicas of original drapes which might have hung in a French Huguenot home. The room also contains "silent companions": small wooden stands that have human features painted on them. They usually stood near fireplaces. The portrait of Rene Louis Ravenel hangs over the mantel.
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Opposite the curtains, built into the wall, is a china cabinet. The dishes inside were given by the Ravenels for the house. The large doors could be closed, thus hiding the cabinet. Due to the rather small size of the house, it was necessary to save as much space as possible. Having the cabinet in the wall was using space very efficiently. Finally, the drawing room contains the large French Huguenot family Bible that was used by the family.
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Opposite the Drawing Room on the first floor, stands the Dining Room. The dining room is the second largest room in the house. It has several important features. The painting of Suzanne L. Noble Chastainger Ravenel hangs above the mantel. There is another example of French Huguenot ingenuity: a curved settee that doubles as a china cabinet. Finally, there is the magnificent dining table.
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The dining area in any home was one of the most important rooms in the house. It was the center of the home and where the family and friends would gather. From seeing the Hanover dining room, it is evident that the Ravenels took great pride in their home. The Hanover House was considered so important by Southern Living, that it was included in their "Historical House Collection" on plans. The Hanover House has been the basis for several homes in the country. Its architectural style still interests students and tourists alike.
The Hanover House is opened on weekends. The hours are Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. The house is available for tours during the week for parties of ten or more. For more information, please call or write:
Hanover House
Department of Visitor Programs' Historic Houses at Clemson University
Box 345605, Room 103 Tillman Hall
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina, 29634-5605
1-864-656-2475 or 1-864-656-4789
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City of Clemson
Phone: 864-653-2030 or email.
1250 Tiger Blvd. Suite 1
Clemson, SC 29631
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