City Directories and History: The William Baker House is significant as a vernacular version of Classical Revival architecture. The present house, which dates to the late 1820s or early 1830s, was built by William Baker II, or his son William Baker III. The house is situated at a relatively high elevation in the sandhills and provides a view of Columbia, seen across the Congaree River and Congaree Swamp. The two-storied frame structure sits on a high basement, which enables a view of the hand-hewn logs and pegging. This house features a v-crimp metal roof and full-length hipped-roof veranda, surmounted by a center balcony with pediment. A simple balustrade
Images courtesy of the Palmetto Trust – 2013
connects the square columns on both levels. Two interior chimneys protrude from the medium pitched gable roof. The front entrance contains a paneled door enclosed by sidelights and a transom; the rear entrance is identical, but without the transom. The interior walls are plastered and feature wainscoting and doors that are marbleized, using the technique of feather painting. Fireplaces are plain with dentil molding around the mantels. Wide, heart-pine flooring is found in each room. A wooden outbuilding and family cemetery are included in the nominated property. Listed in the National Register March 8, 1978.
(Courtesy of South Carolina Department of Archives and History)
Click here for the National Register site.
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HISTORIC IMAGE GALLERY:
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- Images courtesy of the SC Dept. of Archives and History
