Destination guide for Charleston’s Joseph Manigault House.
History
The Manigaults’ story in America dates back to the late 1600s, when, as French Huguenots, they fled Europe during a period of religious persecution. In South Carolina, the family achieved success as rice planters and merchants and was recognized as one of the state’s most prosperous families. In 1788, Joseph Manigault received a generous inheritance of several rice plantations and slaves from his grandfather. He also found wealth and success through his two marriages: his first wife, Maria Henrietta Middleton, was the daughter of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and his second wife, Charlotte Drayton, came from a wealthy and prestigious family.
This historic home was designed by Joseph’s brother, Gabriel Manigault. It was built in 1803 in the “Adam Style”, an 18th-century neoclassical style of design and architecture. It was one of the first homes in Charleston not to follow the standard single-home or double-home model.
Visiting the Joseph Manigault House
The Joseph Manigault House was the 4th and final historic home I visited during my time in Charleston. This historic home has been elegantly restored, and it currently features two floors open to the public, along with a lovely garden that has a classical Gate Temple. Unlike other historic homes in Charleston, this one does not have any surviving kitchens or outbuildings.
The Joseph Manigault House does not offer any self-guided tours; all guests must participate in a guided tour of the home. When I visited the house in January (2025), several rooms were undergoing renovations and were closed to the public. My tour included the dining room on the 1st floor and three rooms on the 2nd floor. While the guide provided interesting information, I found the tour lacked the depth and detail offered at the other 3 historic homes I visited.
Although the rooms I toured were lovely, I wish I could have seen all the downstairs rooms. Based on pictures I saw in travel guides, those rooms are amongst the most beautiful in the home, plus they display exquisite pieces of furniture. Fortunately, the weather was great, so I was able to stroll through the garden and check out the Gate Temple.
The guided tour of the home lasts approximately 30 minutes .
The Charleston Museum offers a combo ticket that allows you to select two or three sites from the following: the Heyward-Washington House, the Joseph Manigault House, or the Charleston Museum. This combo ticket is a great way to save money!
(Destination guides for the museum coming soon!)
Given its historic nature, the Joseph Manigault Home is not accessible.
Travel Tip
This home is across the street from the Charleston Museum and an estimated 5-minute walk from the Aiken-Rhett Historical Home.
Resources
For additional information, visit the Joseph Manigault Home website.
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