HISTORY OF THE TENNENT HOUSE

The Josiah Smith Tennent House (ca 1859) is significant for historical and architectural reasons, given its location, past ownership by prominent Charleston families, as well as uses, it represents an historic, major phenomena of construction and has played an important part in the life of the community. In its innovative design and construction, it stands out as a landmark against the skyline and a "gateway" to the City of Charleston.

In 1862, the house in Hampstead became a Confederate hospital, called Soldiers' Relief Home, and also served as an asylum for displaced patients, when the First North Carolina Hospital on Mary Street burned in January 1864.

The Josiah Smith Tennent House, is the focal of Charleston's upper East Side and plays an important role in the City's current plans to upgrade and revitalize this area. To learn more about how Elpis, Inc., worked to restore this architectural treasure, click here.

Prior to its restoration, the Tennent House reflected the decaying infrastructure of a once proud community. Restoration of the building into a center of human concerns will provide a "one-stop" service focus for single heads of household population and the next generation.

This renovated building was dedicated April 1, 2001, with the Rt. Rev. Edward L. Salmon Jr., presiding.