Heyward-Washington House
Step into 18th-century Charleston at the Heyward-Washington House, a Georgian gem once home to a Declaration of Independence signer and President Wash...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Heyward-Washington House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into 18th-century Charleston at the Heyward-Washington House, a Georgian gem once home to a Declaration of Independence signer and President Washington.
"A beautifully preserved 18th-century home with a remarkably immersive self-paced audio tour. "
🎧 Don't Miss the Audio Tour
Choose between history or house tours; bonus content is highly recommended! :headphones:
🎟️ Value Ticket Package
Bundle with Charleston Museum & Manigault House for a comprehensive experience. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Holmes Bookcase
Permanent exhibit
Admire one of America's finest pieces of antique furniture, made circa 1770.
Presidential History
Throughout the house
Step into the rooms where George Washington stayed during his 1791 visit to Charleston.
Georgian Architecture
Exterior and interior
Experience the elegant symmetry and order of this 1772 red brick Georgian-style home.
Archaeological Digs
On-site excavations
Witness history being uncovered by students and curators during active archaeological digs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Audio Tour is Key
Bundle Your Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎧 Don't Miss the Audio Tour
Choose between history or house tours; bonus content is highly recommended! :headphones:
🎟️ Value Ticket Package
Bundle with Charleston Museum & Manigault House for a comprehensive experience. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Self-Paced Exploration
Take your time, especially with the audio tour's extra details. :walking:
🏛️ See Original Artifacts
Discover furniture and items that were part of the house's original story. :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎧 Don't Miss the Audio Tour
Choose between history or house tours; bonus content is highly recommended! :headphones:
🎟️ Value Ticket Package
Bundle with Charleston Museum & Manigault House for a comprehensive experience. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Self-Paced Exploration
Take your time, especially with the audio tour's extra details. :walking:
🏛️ See Original Artifacts
Discover furniture and items that were part of the house's original story. :gem:
🌱 Explore the Gardens
Enjoy the serene gardens and the historic kitchen area. :seedling:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors highly recommend the Heyward-Washington House, praising its well-preserved 18th-century architecture and immersive self-paced audio tours. The option for two different tour themes and bonus content is a significant draw, allowing for a deep dive into history or artifacts. The bundled ticket with other Charleston sites offers excellent value and flexibility for planning your visit.
"TL;DR: Highly recommend visiting the Heyward-Washington House. This beautifully preserved 18th-century home offers a self-paced audio tour in two versions—one focused on historical context and the other on the house and its artifacts. Plan for at least 45 minutes per tour, or 60–75 minutes if you listen to the optional extra content (worth it!). There is a great admission package that also includes entry to the Charleston Museum and the 19th-century Joseph Manigault House. I suggest visiting the Charleston Museum and Joseph Manigault House on the same day, and saving the Heyward-Washington House for another day to fully enjoy the experience.
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The Heyward-Washington House is a beautiful, history-rich 18th-century home with a remarkably immersive self-paced audio tour. The curators have done an outstanding job recreating the feel of the original space, including featuring one original piece of furniture that once belonged in the house.
Visitors can choose between two themed audio tours:
- History-focused tour – Provides deep historical context of the house, the people that lived there, and its era.
- House/Artifacts-focused tour – Explores the building, furnishings, and material culture.
A single tour takes a minimum of 45 minutes, not including the optional extra tidbits that you can select from. These bonus stories and details are highly engaging and well worth the time, adding about 15–30 minutes. Unfortunately, I only had time for one tour, but would gladly return to do the other.
Estimated Time Commitments:
- One audio tour: ~45 minutes
- One audio tour + most/all extra tidbits: ~60–75 minutes
- Two tours: roughly double the above times
Pricing & Ticket Value:
The ticket can be purchased as part of a package deal granting access to three historic sites: the Charleston Museum, the Heyward-Washington House (18th century), and the Joseph Manigault House (19th century). The flexibility to visit on separate days makes it easy to plan. For the best experience, I recommend visiting the Charleston Museum and Joseph Manigault House on the same day, and dedicating another day to the Heyward-Washington House so you can explore without feeling rushed."
Kevin Chen
"In 1791, the city of Charleston rented Heyward's home for President George Washington's weeklong stay in the city. The association with America's first president has persisted ever since.
Built in 1772, the Heyward-Washington House earned its moniker for two men who figured prominently in its history, Thomas Heyward Jr. and President George Washington.
Heyward, a Revolutionary War officer and South Carolina delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776 is best known for contributing his signature to the Declaration of Independence.
The architecture of the three-story red brick double reflects the Georgian style that spread widely through English colonies for its order and symmetry."
Sanjay Gupta
"Very cool house!!! We had a great time and I highly recommend visiting. When we were done, I elected to take the kids out and let my better half turn in the devices they give you to use during the self-guided tour, due to more staff showing up with very obvious life choices that I don’t agree with. Glad to see the home and see the history of our country!! Very, very cool!!!"
Brett Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Heyward-Washington House is located at 87 Church Street in Charleston, SC. It's easily accessible by foot if you're exploring the historic district. Parking can be challenging in this area, so consider using ride-sharing services or public transport if you're coming from further afield.
Street parking is limited and often metered. Several parking garages are available within walking distance, such as the Cumberland Street Garage or the Majestic Square Garage. It's advisable to check parking apps for real-time availability and rates.
Absolutely! The house is centrally located in the historic district, making it a pleasant walk from many other popular sites like the City Market or Rainbow Row. Enjoy the picturesque streets of Charleston on your way.
If you're staying downtown, a leisurely stroll down Church Street is a delightful approach. You'll pass by other historic homes and beautiful architecture, setting the mood for your visit.
Charleston offers a free DASH trolley service that stops at various points throughout the historic district. Check the CARTA website for routes and schedules that might bring you close to the house.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased individually or as part of a package that includes the Charleston Museum and the Joseph Manigault House. This package offers great value and flexibility to visit on separate days.
Yes, it's highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred entry time and avoid queues.
The house is typically open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Charleston Museum website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, admission to the Heyward-Washington House is often included with a ticket to the Charleston Museum, especially if you purchase a multi-site pass.
While the audio tour is self-paced, booking a general entry time online is recommended to manage visitor flow. The audio devices are provided upon entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The self-guided audio tour is a highlight, offering two distinct versions: one focusing on historical context and the other on the house and its artifacts. You'll receive a device to use in each room.
A single audio tour takes about 45 minutes. If you opt for the bonus content or listen to both tours, you could spend 60-75 minutes or even longer.
The primary experience is a self-guided audio tour. However, knowledgeable attendants are available throughout the house to answer questions and provide additional insights.
The gardens offer a peaceful retreat and showcase historical landscaping. You can also explore the historic kitchen area, which provides a glimpse into 18th-century domestic life.
The main floors of the house are generally accessible, but some historic homes may have limitations. It's best to contact the venue directly to inquire about specific accessibility features.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the Heyward-Washington House, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the historic artifacts and furnishings. Always check for posted signs.
The elegant Georgian architecture, the Holmes Bookcase, and the serene gardens offer excellent photo opportunities. The exterior brickwork is also very photogenic.
While personal photography is usually permitted, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Tagging the house on social media is encouraged!
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is ideal. For low-light interiors, a lens with a wider aperture can be beneficial.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic districts and around landmarks due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit smoother, prepare children beforehand by discussing who George Washington and Thomas Heyward Jr. were. The archaeological digs can also be a fascinating point of interest, showing kids that history is still being discovered.
Remember to check the house's specific policies on strollers or carriers if needed. The self-guided nature allows you to move at your child's pace, making it a more relaxed experience.🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
The two distinct audio tours are invaluable for a deep dive. The history-focused tour provides rich context on the social, political, and economic landscape of Charleston during the late 1700s, while the house/artifact tour offers detailed insights into the material culture, furniture, and decorative arts of the period.
📸 Photographers
Inside, the well-preserved interiors, including the elegant rooms and the renowned Holmes Bookcase, present opportunities for detailed shots. Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions; while natural light is often best, some areas might be dimmer, so a camera with good low-light performance or a wider aperture lens can be beneficial. Beyond the house itself, the lush gardens offer a serene backdrop for photography, providing a contrast to the historic architecture.
Always check for any specific photography restrictions, particularly regarding flash usage, to protect the delicate artifacts. Tagging the location on social media is a great way to share your stunning captures and inspire others. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Heyward-Washington House
Beyond its famous residents, the house is celebrated for its collection of period furnishings and artifacts. A standout piece is the Holmes Bookcase, considered one of the finest examples of American-made furniture from the era, originally crafted for John Edwards.
The curators have meticulously recreated the atmosphere of the original home, providing an immersive experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing. The self-paced audio tour is central to this, offering detailed narratives about the house's history, its inhabitants, and the material culture of the time. Recent archaeological excavations on the grounds have further enriched our understanding of the site. These ongoing digs, often involving students from the College of Charleston's Archaeology Department, provide a dynamic element to the visitor experience, allowing people to witness history being uncovered firsthand.
This blend of historical preservation, artifact display, and active research makes the Heyward-Washington House a compelling destination for anyone interested in American history and decorative arts.Experiencing the Audio Tour
What truly elevates the experience are the optional extra tidbits offered at the end of each room's main recording. These bonus stories and details are highly engaging and well worth the extra time, often adding 15-30 minutes to your visit.
For those with a deep interest in history, the option to take both audio tours is available, though it will significantly extend your visit time. The flexibility of the self-paced nature means you can linger in rooms that particularly capture your interest or move through more quickly if time is a constraint. Attendants are also present to answer any questions, ensuring a well-rounded and informative visit.
The Value of a Multi-Site Ticket
To maximize your experience, consider grouping the Charleston Museum and the Joseph Manigault House together on one day. These two sites offer a comprehensive look at Charleston's past, from its earliest days to the antebellum period. Then, dedicate a separate day to the Heyward-Washington House. This allows you to focus on the specific historical context and the Georgian elegance of the 18th century without feeling pressed for time.
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