Rosemary Hall, as it was called when constructed in 1902, has been part of the North Augusta landscape since the town was founded.
Built by James U. Jackson, North Augusta’s founder, Rosemary Hall was home to his daughter Edith and her family until the 1980s. Now known as the Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast, it is a popular destination for travelers to the area.
Interestingly, Rosemary Hall has a near twin located just across the street. James Jackson’s brother built Lookaway Hall between 1895 and 1898, and you can see that it is quite similar.
Rosemary Hall is listed in the National Register:
(J.U. Jackson House) An example of Beaux Arts architecture, Rosemary Hall was built ca. 1900-1902 by James Urquhart Jackson, founder of North Augusta and an influential leader in the growth and development of the town during the first decades of its existence.
Befitting Jackson’s prominence in the community, the structure has elaborate architectural details, including twelve fluted Corinthian columns supporting a wide entablature accented by a frieze of acanthus leaves, Italian colored glass used in the fanlights and sidelights, and rosemary pine paneling throughout the interior. The two-story white clapboard house surmounts a low brick foundation. The front façade is highlighted by a wide L-shaped verandah that extends across the front and down the left elevation. Twelve fluted Corinthian columns support a wide entablature accented by a frieze of acanthus leaves. A rectangular window bordered in colored glass and framed by scrollwork accents the porch pediment. Formerly shingled, the tin roof is punctuated by corbel-capped chimneys.
As president of the North Augusta Hotel Company, Jackson was influential in the construction of the Hampton Terrace Hotel, a distinguished winter resort that was built in 1903 and attracted such notable guests as John D. Rockefeller and William Howard Taft. As founder and president of the North Augusta Land Company, Jackson directed the purchasing of the land and the laying out of the streets upon which North Augusta developed, leading to the town’s incorporation in 1906.
Reflections on Rosemary Hall
Andy Hunter, a longtime SC Picture Project contributor who shared one of the photos above, speaks of his personal connection to Rosemary Hall: “This old house holds a special place in my heart as I went to kindergarten in the back of the mansion from 1962 to 1963.”
The photo you are referring to as a twin to Rosemary Hall (Lookaway Hall) is actually another picture of Rosemary Hall. Although the two look similar they are not identical and in fact Rosemary is nearly double in size. I am the owner of Rosemary Hall. Thank you.
I am the current owner of Rosemary Hall. I would love to contact the great-granddaughter Joan. Would you be able to ask her if I could have her email? Thank you, Diana Combs. My email is dianac.rosemary@gmail.com.
My husband and I were married in Rosemary Hall on June 20 2000. Very lovely place. We didn’t even decorate for the wedding inside because the interior was beautiful on its own.
My great grandfather was James U. Jackson and my grandfather was James U Jackson, Jr.
My Mother, Lilla Edith Jackson lived in Rosemary Hall. I have old black and white photos of the home that are amazing. My Aunt Hazel (my Mom's sister) lived in Augusta and passed away as did my Mom. I have very fond memories of visiting Rosemary Hall as a child that I hold dear to my heart.
That is fascinating! We would love to see those old photos!