Nathaniel Russell House

About this activity

A visit to Nathaniel Russell House is a chance to delve inside the lives of Charleston's merchant elite, where opulence, grandeur and splendor describe the works of art, the architecture, and the lifestyle of an elite 19th century family.

Are you ready to explore this fascinating part of Southern history?

Nathaniel Russell House is actually a National Historic Landmark, and was built over 5 years and completed in 1808 by Nathaniel Russel himself - a Charleston merchant

The average home at the time was valued at $262, and this house cost $80,000. You can see where it stood in society!

It's a beautiful house to explore, and those imaginations can run wild as you think about what life would have been like for those who lived there. The free-flying, three-story staircase is a focal point, and is an architectural marvel. The interiors all feature elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, and the geometrically shaped rooms are so fascinating.

There's an amazing collection of 18th century decorative and fine arts, that really speak to the wealth of the city's elite in the early days of the American Republic.

Nathaniel Russell House also had 18 enslaved Africans who lived on and maintained the property during the time the Russell family lived there, and really are an integral part of this historic townhouses' history.

Don't miss the exhibit in the original kitchen featuring archaeological artifacts, with educational panels and stories from the people that are vital to the history of this amazing historic Charleston home.

Why read the history books when you can visit history in person?