2370 Saluda Road – Historic Gill House on the Philadelphia Wagon Road

Mr. Louis Wooten, Jr., a proud resident of the Lewis Turnout community for decades. Courtesy of the Wherry Family Collection – 2013

City Directories and History:  The historic Gill home, a beautifully constructed log home, was originally on the old Saluda Road leading from Nations Ford Crossing on the Catawba River to Augusta and was an ancient travelers route through the region. The Gill home is one of the areas oldest remaining houses along with the Lewis Inn, also on the Saluda Road just west of this house. When the Gill home was constructed the area remained in economic and social flux dealing with vandals and thieves. The house was not only a home but also a place of safety for those within and featured gun ports on the front and rear of the house. These remained visible for many years until the mid 20th century when they were covered with newer materials.

The 1900 census lists Sarah Gill as the head of the household and living with her is her daughter Ann age 23 as well as a servant, Maggie Mayfield.

One of the stories told about the Gill family who lived here until well until the mid 20th century, was their offering “tea cakes” to their visitors. As a child, one of the neighbors, Ms. Catherine Lewis fondly recalled being given these treats when visiting at the Gill’s home.

Informative links: Mills Map of Chester County, SC

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The area in green is the section of Northern Chester County which encompasses the “Blackjack” area of rich cotton growing heritage.

Please enjoy this structure and all those listed in Roots and Recall. But remember each is private property. So view them from a distance or from a public area such as the sidewalk or public road.

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