Hibernian Hall - Charleston, SC
N 32° 46.647 W 079° 55.878
17S E 600085 N 3627120
Hibernian Hall, located in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina, USA, was constructed in 1840 in the Greek Revival style and is home to the Hibernian Society, an Irish benevolent society.
Waymark Code: WM4GB8
Location: South Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 08/21/2008
Views: 127
Plaque about the Hibernian Society located on the fence surrounding Hibernian Hall:
From the South Carolina Department of Archives and History website:
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.
The following additional information is provided by the National Park Service:
Hibernian Hall was the first semi-public building of pure Greek style to be built in the city, and the only building in Charleston designed by architect Thomas U. Walter of Philadelphia. Walter's design included an Ionic pediment which collapsed in the earthquake of 1886 and was replaced by a Corinthian pediment with brackets and a center circular-arched window. The dignified exterior of the Hall does not allude to the flamboyant ballroom and double stairhall within. The Irish harp carved in the panel above the main door and within the iron gates, as well as a stone from Ireland's Giant's Causeway, reflect the ethnic heritage of the Hall's founders. Christopher Werner, one of Charleston's foremost ironworkers, is responsible for the Hall's gates.
The Hibernian Society continues to meet regularly, holding annual elections, alternating each year between a Roman Catholic and Protestant president. The Hall still serves as the location for many events, including an annual St. Patrick's Day celebration, society balls and other brilliant social occasions.