City Directories and History: The Ensor-Keenan House is significant as one of the few structures in Columbia with Italianate influences. It is also significant as the home of Dr. Joshua Fulton Ensor. Dr. Ensor came to Columbia following the Civil War and in 1870 became the second medical superintendent of the State Asylum (South Carolina State Hospital). He later served as postmaster of Columbia and was an active leader in the State’s Republican Party. Located on a large secluded estate in the Eau Claire
section of Columbia, the most distinguishing feature of the one and one-half story house is a central projecting pavilion with a steeply pitched hipped roof. The pavilion also features a window with an arch, as well as brackets along its cornice. Flanking this projection are large gables, each featuring a 6/6 window with louvered shutters and an arched panel above. The one-story porch supported by slender columns extends across the façade. Listed in the National Register March 2, 1979. [Courtesy of the SC Dept. of Archives and History]
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