Drayton Hall, Charleston, South Carolina; 1738; 18th and 19th Century Architecture in America

Drayton Hall, Charleston, South Carolina; 1738; 18th and 19th Century Architecture in America

Drayton Hall is a plantation of the eighteenth century that is just fifteen miles outside of Charleston, South Carolina, right along the Ashley River. Drayton Hall is the finest example of Georgian Palladian Architecture that is found in our country. The building was constructed between 1738 and 1742 by the Drayton family and was the only standing plantation remaining after the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars (Unknown, “18th Century Mansion - Drayton Hall”). The house also survived many seismic loads, those which came from hurricanes and earthquakes. Since the house has never been restored it preserves seven generations, whom had lived there and remained their property until 1974 (McDaniel, "Historic Sites: Drayton Hall"). The house also preserves it's electrical and mechanical systems. This incudes lighting, plumbing, heating and air conditioning (McDaniel, "Historic Sites: Drayton Hall"). 

It is recognized for its Georgian Palladian architecture for the prevailing of King George the second of England, this style was well liked then (Unknown, “18th Century Mansion - Drayton Hall”). It was designed by the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio revealing his style that is based on bilateral symmetry and proportional volumes.  Andrea Palladio, whom focused his interests in architecture derived in Rome, impacted American architecture.
           The house has a colonnade on the west façade that is a porch with a pediment on top. Also known as a portico, it is one of the first examples of its type, designed as double tiered and recessed (Clarke, "Author Archives: Drayton Hall"). The columns arranged in conjunction with the portico of the structure were influenced by Roman classical architecture. The capitals show the spiral detail of the ionic classical order. Drayton Hall was significant for having an additional façade. The additional side was designed for accessible entry from any travelers coming in from the Ashley river. The façade side is rather more Georgian style, although it also has Palladian features with the detail above each window. The brickwork is locally made and is laid with a Flemish bond which alternates headers and stretchers.

The floorplan is carried with the symmetrically based on the central main hall with rooms flanking both sides (Lewis, p28). The first floor is a mirrored image on the second floor as well, carrying out a consistent symmetrical design throughout the house (Lewis, p29). The interior consists of woodwork that is entirely hand carved using yellow poplar. The mantle is also uniformly sculpted using the same material. As a secondary element, the walls are solid sheets of Bald Cypress. The ceiling was carved in 1742 out of wet plaster, a technique that was used since the 1600s. It is recognizable for being one of only five ceilings designed this way in the country. Additionally, there is a great entryway with a double grand staircase, which was constructed with Mahogany wood imported from the west indies. National Trust for Historic Preservation takes responsibility for the care of the property today (Clarke, "Author Archives: Drayton Hall"). Visitors are allowed to tour throughout the house to include the fragile second floor of the property.

       Author: Unknown. “18th Century Mansion - Drayton Hall.” Victoriana Magazine, www.victoriana.com/historichouses/draytonhall.html

       McDaniel, George. "Historic Sites: Drayton Hall" National Trust for Historic Preservation.

https://savingplaces.org/places/drayton-hall#.WtPWaExFwuV


       Clarke, Sarah Stroud. "Author Archives: Drayton Hall" The Drayton Hall Diaries.
https://draytonhall.wordpress.com/author/draytonhall/

        Lewis, Lynne G. . Drayton Hall: Preliminary Archaeological Investigation at a Low Country Plantation. Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia Press, 1978.