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

Denmark Vesey House, Charleston County (56 Bull St., Charleston)
S1081771009401 S1081771009402 S1081771009403 S1081771009404
Right Oblique Left Oblique Left Elevation
Porch Detail
Rear Left
Elevation

Many rebellions and rumors of rebellions occurred throughout the South during the slavery period. One of the most alarming insurrections was that planned in 1822 by a free-black man, Denmark Vesey. Vesey was a trusted member of the free-black population who could read and write. He had been a resident of Santo Domingo, the scene of an earlier rebellion. Vesey designed an insurrection plan of such precision and efficiency that mass hysteria was created throughout the Carolinas and the South. Vesey held meetings at his house to prepare for the insurrection, scheduled for July 14, 1822. On May 25, Peter, a slave of Colonel John C. Prioleau went to the fish market for a purchase and was informed of the impending crisis. Peter informed his master’s wife of the news; Colonel Prioleau informed the City Council. Vesey feared that the plot would be discovered and rescheduled the date of insurrection to June 16. Vesey had lost the element of surprise. The city went on alert and Governor Bennett ordered the militia to be prepared. Vesey was arrested June 21 and placed on trial the following day. Three of Vesey’s men were offered immunity from punishment if they confessed. Three hundred and thirteen alleged participants were arrested, 67 of those were convicted and 35 executed. Vesey was sentenced to death July 2, 1822. Vesey is believed to have established a carpentry business and residence at this Bull Street house ca. 1822. (Note: research since the time of nomination has shown that 56 Bull Street was not Vesey’s house. There is no concrete evidence to support that Vesey ever lived at this address, or that this house was even standing ca. 1820.) Listed in the National Register May 11, 1976; Designated a National Historic Landmark May 11, 1976.

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.