Ever stop to think about who might have lived within these walls? This is the John Scott House. It stands at 38 Coming Street. The John Scott House is one of the oldest buildings at the College of Charleston.
Let’s step back in time. It’s 1770. Wealthy Charlestonian John Scott leases this property. He leases it from St. Philip’s Episcopal Church for 31 years. Several lots along Coming Street were leased at the same time. The house at 34 Coming Street was one of them.
The agreement for number 34 included a requirement. A two-story house had to be built within seven years. This was typical for properties acquired from the church. The same term was likely part of John Scott’s lease too. So, John Scott built this house around 1770.
Time passes and the main floor of the John Scott House is remodeled. This happened in the Greek Revival style. The remodeling was done before the Civil War. The house saw many changes.
Now, let’s jump ahead to 1972. The College of Charleston bought the John Scott House from Mrs. Helen McGill. The price was $37,000. At the time, the John Scott House was a rental property. College officials couldn’t access all the units. After the purchase, they explored the house fully.
On the second floor, they found a room. It had Georgian paneling and doors. This confirmed the house’s early construction date. The John Scott House had secrets to reveal.
Today, the John Scott House stands as a testament to Charleston’s history. It’s a reminder of the city’s architectural evolution. It is a pre-revolutionary house on campus. It has witnessed the passage of time. From John Scott’s lease to the College of Charleston’s ownership. The John Scott House has a unique story. It is a tangible link to the past. A past we can still explore today.