City Directories and History: Click to view the National Register site.
Architecturally, the Cuthbert House is typical of Beaufort’s gracious waterfront homes and is an important component of the Beaufort Historic District. Built ca. 1811, the Federal style Cuthbert House is mounted on a raised foundation with central hallways on both floors extending from front to rear, the white clapboard house is designed to take advantage of the waterfront southwesterly breezes. The façade has a central, double-tiered portico supported by Tuscan columns. First floor entrance is surmounted by a semi-elliptical fanlight and flanked by sidelights and has a pair of shuttered windows to either side. Alterations of the late nineteenth century include the addition of rooms, bay windows, Victorian trim and porches on either side of the central portico. John Alexander Cuthbert was born 1790 in St. Helena’s Parish, South
Carolina. In 1811, he married Mary B. Williamson of Prince William’s Parish for whom this house was built. During the Civil War, the Cuthbert House became the property of US Army Brigadier General Rufus Saxton. General Saxton became director of freemen affairs and cultivation in June 1862 when this responsibility was shifted from the Treasury to the War Department. Listed in the National Register June 13, 1972. [Courtesy of the SC Dept. of Archives and History]
“John Alexander Cuthbert built this house for his bride, Mary B. Williamson of Prince William’s Parish, ca. 1811. Typical of the Beaufort style, the house is constructed on a raised foundation with central hallways on both floors extending from front to rear. During the Victorian Period the porch was extended across the facade. Several rooms were also added at that time. The fine proportions, along with the excellent interior and exterior woodwork, have been retained. The first-floor entrance has an elliptical fanlight and sidelights.
U.S. Army Brigadier General Rufus Saxton purchased the house at a tax sale. General William T. Sherman spent the night of January 23, 1865, in the house of General Saxton on his march from Savannah to Columbia.”
Information from: Historic Resources of the Lowcountry, The Lowcountry Council of Government, Cynthia C. Jenkins, Preservation Planner – Published, 1979
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