City Directories and History: GADSDEN-DEWEES HOUSE
Constructed 1800-1810; altered circa 1886
“This is the site of that portion of Mazyck’s Pasture where a “noble live oak tree” was formally dedicated to “liberty” by Charleston’s John Wilkes Club in 1766. Christopher Gadsden, leader of this group, later called the Palmetto Society, first advocated independence from Britain beside this “liberty tree.” The tree was cut down by the British during their occupation of the city in 1780-82. Owned by the Gadsden estate, this and adjoining parcels were acquired by William Dewees, a planter and wharf owner, in 1 807. A subsequent owner added the piazzas, the Greek Revival door surrounds, and the Victorian window heads. A third story and roof were damaged and removed after the earthquake of 1886.”
The Buildings of Charleston – J.H. Poston for the Historic Charleston Foundation, 1997
Other sources of interest: Charleston Tax Payers of Charleston, SC in 1860-61, and the Dwelling Houses of Charleston by Alice R.H. Smith – 1917. The HCF may also have additional data at: Past Perfect and further research can be uncovered at: Charleston 1861 Census Schedule
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