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Palmer Home

SC PICTURE PROJECT 9 Comments

SC Picture Project / Charleston County / Palmer Home

The Palmer Home in historic Charleston is one of the Holy City’s most iconic mansions, frequently photographed and often depicted in paintings of the grand homes along the Battery. Built between 1847 and 1849 by John Ravenel, a wealthy merchant and president of the South Carolina Railroad Company, the home remained in the Ravenel family until 1953.

Palmer House East Battery

John Diskes of Summerville, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Ravenel’s son, scientist Dr. Saint Julien Ravenel, succeeded his father in ownership of the Italianate-style home. Dr. Ravenel is noted for designing the Little David, a semi-submersible vessel that attacked the Union blockade ship Ironside on October 5, 1863. He is said to have created plans for the torpedo boat in the drawing room of the house. A replica of the Little David is on display at the Old Santee Canal Park.

Palmer House

Steve Gundy of Roswell, GA © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The younger Ravenel was also instrumental in developing the phosphate industry that attempted to replace rice as a source of Lowcountry prosperity following the Civil War. He eventually sold the home to his son-in-law, Elias Horry Frost, president of E.H. Frost and Company – a cotton brokerage – as well as head of the Stono Phosphate Company and president of the South Carolina Loan and Trust. Frost is responsible for rehabilitating the house after the Great Earthquake of 1886, adding Victorian details while also adhering to the home’s original plan.

Palmer Home 1886

South Caroliniana Library, George Cook, Digital Collections, 1886

The Palmer Home operated as a bed-and-breakfast from 1977 until 2016, when the house sold. The home is in the process of a multi-year renovation to be reverted back to a private residence. It offers unobstructed views of the Charleston Harbor and is just around the corner from White Point Garden.

Plan Your Trip: Palmer Home

Where is Palmer Home located?
Address: 5 East Battery, Charleston, SC 29401
GPS Coordinates: 32.770553,-79.928583
What else should I see?
Roper House 0 mile
Villa Margherita 0.1 mile
Charleston Battery 0.1 mile
Two Meeting Street Inn 0.2 mile
Show me more like this!
  • Charleston Historic Sites
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chris Bradley (Johnson) says

      June 26, 2022 at 9:44 PM

      I remember Dr. Joe Sam, a GREAT man!! I have spent many days hanging out there with my friend Peyton and selling pink lemonade out front…. lmao! Great memories! Was surprised to see it being renovated and learn that it had been sold. The new owner has an absolutely amazing piece of Charleston’s history.

      Reply
    2. Tracy Palmer Muckey says

      May 12, 2022 at 4:46 PM

      I am the great niece once removed from Dr Palmer. I visited this house in 1963 as a little girl when he lived there. I noticed that you don’t have any history listed regarding the Palmer ownership other than much later starting in 1977.

      Reply
    3. Hope says

      July 6, 2021 at 12:11 PM

      I worked for Dr. Palmer as his assistant. He was a good person who loved his dogs!

      Reply
    4. Shawn Hierlihy says

      June 9, 2021 at 5:12 PM

      Love this house. Stayed there a few years back and always hoped someone with deep pockets would acquire the property and restore it to its former glory. Glad to see it happening.

      Reply
    5. Biff Bomar says

      August 30, 2019 at 2:20 PM

      I remember Dr. Joe Sam and visiting his home many times with my parents. He was truly funny, and the house and gardens were an added adventure.

      Reply
    6. Cynthia Putman says

      June 20, 2019 at 4:51 PM

      This is my favorite house in Charleston. It was sold and is being renovated as a private residence. It is no longer a bed and breakfast.

      Reply
      • SC Picture Project says

        June 22, 2019 at 12:33 PM

        You’re right, thanks for the information, we do have it listed towards the very bottom that it sold in 2016 and would be reverted to a private residence. We do love the house as well and are excited to watch its restoration progress, they are really doing a beautiful job!

        Reply
    7. Brenda Webb says

      May 15, 2016 at 10:32 AM

      Love the design of this home. Everytime I have been in Charleston, I have admired its beauty.

      Reply
    8. ernie miller says

      April 29, 2014 at 9:23 PM

      You failed to mention Dr. Joe Sam Palmer owned and resided there for many years. Upon passing, one of his daughters opened as a bed and breakfast years after 1977, as mentioned.

      Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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