City Directories and History: Woodburn is significant historically, architecturally and culturally. It is an excellent example of an early nineteenth century plantation house. The house was believed to be built circa 1830 by Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, son of Andrew Pinckney, an early SC Governor, statesman, and agriculturalist. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney graduated from Harvard University, studied law, but became a large planter, cultivating over 2,000 acres of rice on several plantations. He became SC Lieutenant Governor in 1833. The house reflects both the architecture of “Charleston type” houses constructed in the upcountry and Early Classical or Greek Revival stylistic influences. Many planters built summer homes in Pendleton to take advantage of open space and summer breezes. Woodburn, with its large rooms, 
Images by Bill Segars – 2010
extremely high ceilings, and central hallways, is typical of the Charleston influence that is part of Pendleton’s character. The house is four stories with two huge front porches, one directly above the other. Two double French doors open from both front drawing rooms. There are wide window and door moldings outside, deeply fluted with Greek key designs; the interior contains similar moldings containing the Federal star. There are nine fireplaces. On the second level a large porch extends across the back of the house, with a stair leading to a herringbone brick terrace below. Woodburn is situated on a promontory with a view of the countryside and mountains. The property also contains several outbuildings. The Reverend Dr. John B. Adger, a son of wealthy Charleston parents, enlarged Woodburn in the 1850s. Augustine Smyth, another early owner, created a model livestock farm, specializing in race horses and purebred cattle. Listed in the National Register May 6, 1971.
Diagram of the first floor of Woodburn – Courtesy of the HABS Collection, Library of Congress
View the complete text of the nomination form for this National Register Property.(Courtesy of South Carolina Department of Archives and History)
“Around Pendleton, which at one time was the hub of a district comprising what is now Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties, are places of considerable historical interest. Woodbum, the summer home of Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, is still standing as a fine example of a country home. The name was supposedly suggested by a couplet from Sir Walter Scott: “Where reed upon her margin sees Sweet Woodburn’s cottages and trees.” Woodbum is far from being a cottage with its three stories, huge doors, and extensive piazzas. The name has survived during the occupancy of the Adgers and the Smythes of Charleston and today as part of the property of Clemson College. Now in a state of poor repair, Woodbum is still a place where “many a prospect pleases.”
Information from: Names in South Carolina by C.H. Neuffer, Published by the S.C. Dept. of English, USC
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R&R HISTORY LINK: the 1854 Map of Anderson Co., by Colton
NATIONAL REGISTER IMAGE(S)
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