South Carolina Department of Archives and History
National Register Properties in South Carolina

Hibernian Hall, Charleston County (105 Meeting St., Charleston)
S1081771006301 S1081771006302 S1081771006303 S1081771006304 S1081771006305
Facade Right Oblique Left Oblique Rear Elevation Left Rear
Oblique

Hibernian Hall is the only extant and authentic building significantly associated with the Democratic Convention of 1860 at Charleston - one of the most critical political assemblies in the Nation’s history. At Charleston, the fate of the old party system was sealed - the Democratic Party was shattered and Republican victory assured in the fall. Hibernian Hall served as headquarters for the faction supporting Stephen A. Douglas, the pivotal personality of the convention. Completed in 1840, Hibernian Hall was the first semi-public structure of pure Greek type in the city of Charleston. It has a front colonnade of six Ionic columns surmounted by a pediment. The entrance leads into large stair hall, centered by an open rotunda covered by a dome with coffered panels, supported by superimposed columns of the three Greek orders. The pediment collapsed in the earthquake of 1886 and was replaced by one with modillions of the Corinthian order and center circular-arched window. Listed in the National Register November 7, 1973; Designated a National Historic Landmark November 7, 1973.

View the complete text of the nomination form for this National Register property.

Most National Register properties are privately owned and are not open to the public. The privacy of owners should be respected. Not all properties retain the same integrity as when originally documented and listed in the National Register due to changes and modifications over time.

Images and texts on these pages are intended for research or educational use. Please read our statement on use and reproduction for further information on how to obtain a photocopy or how to cite an item.


Images provided by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.