William Gibbes House

Gazing up at the William Gibbes House, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe. This grand Charleston double house, located at 64 South Battery, exudes an air of timeless elegance. Built in 1772 by the wealthy shipping magnate William Gibbes, it stands as a testament to a bygone era. Originally, the house boasted a pristine view of the Ashley River, a sight now obscured by landfill and later constructions. It’s hard to imagine the bustling port activity William Gibbes would have witnessed from his windows. William Gibbes, a staunch patriot, played a significant role during the Revolutionary War. He served in the Provincial Congresses, and even on the Council of Safety’s Committee of Five. His patriotism, however, came at a price. Imprisoned by the British in St. Augustine in 1780, he was forced to leave his beloved William Gibbes House behind. The British commandeered the spacious house, transforming it into a hospital for their troops. It wasn’t until 1782, with the American victory, that Gibbes and his family returned to their home. Sadly, Gibbes passed away in 1789, but his legacy lived on within the walls of 64 South Battery. The William Gibbes House entered a new chapter in 1794 when it was sold to Sarah Smith. She embraced the changing times, updating parts of the interior to reflect the popular Federal Style. Interestingly, her daughter, Mary Smith, married Judge John Grimke. This connection makes Sarah Smith the grandmother of the famed abolitionist sisters, Sarah and Angelina Grimke. Their story has captivated readers for generations, notably in the historical novel “The Invention of Wings.” It’s quite possible that Sarah Grimke was named after her influential grandmother. Fast forward to 1928, the William Gibbes House was purchased by Mrs. Cornelia Roebling, widow of the Brooklyn Bridge’s designer. While she made some alterations to the house itself, her most significant contribution lies in the gardens. The extensive property held the remnants of an older garden and several outbuildings, which still stand today. Mrs. Roebling commissioned a then-little-known landscape architect from New York, Loutrel Briggs, to redesign her garden. The William Gibbes House garden marked the start of Briggs’ enduring love affair with Charleston. From this initial project, Briggs went on to design over 100 gardens in the city. One of his most famous creations is the garden at 58 Church Street, celebrated in the bestselling book “Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden.” The William Gibbes House, from its Georgian origins to its Federal-style updates and its renowned gardens, offers a glimpse into Charleston’s rich and layered history.