Historic Springs Guest House – Fort Mill, S.C.

Image courtesy of J.L. West – 2015.

City Directories and History:  (Springs Industries Guest House) The John M. White House, located in a commercial and residential section of Fort Mill, was constructed ca. 1872 for John M. White, member of a prominent family in the Fort Mill area. The low-pitched, bracketed roof, the irregular plan, and the front veranda represent elements of the Italianate Architecture style. Also evident are the mansard-roofed, central pavilion with arched windows, and the decorative, pedimented façade windows which reflect the Second Empire style. The combined use of elements represents a transition between the popularity of these two academic architectural styles, which are unusual in upper South Carolina. The two-story brick residence is also significant in South Carolina’s architectural history because it was built, with all its style and elegance during the struggle to recover from the devastation of the Civil War. A one-story brick cottage flanks the house on the north side. It was constructed around the same time as the main house.

Tradition holds that it was the home of a former family slave who was repatriated to Africa and later returned to live with her former masters. There is also a carriage house/garage, portions of which appear contemporary to the house. Listed in the National Register September 12, 1985. [Courtesy of the S.C. Dept. of Archives and History]

The Rock Hill Herald reported on Sept. 10, 1885 – “Workman have commenced work on Capt. White’s large brick warehouse.”

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R&R HISTORY LINK: CONNECTING THE DOTS

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