Nathaniel Russell House
51 Meeting St., Charleston, SC, 29401
This National Historic Landmark, completed in 1808, ranks among the most important US neoclassical dwellings. A tour of the meticulously restored Nathaniel Russell House offers a glimpse into the lives of Charleston’s merchant elite through the home’s 18th century decorative and fine art, formal gardens, and elaborate interiors.
The basics
The Nathaniel Russell House is one of the most important historical homes in Charleston. To visit, choose between a single house admission ticket or a combo ticket, which includes both this and the Aiken-Rhett House. Once inside, explore on a docent-led tour of the property or take a self-guided audio tour, available via the free Historic Charleston Foundation app. Many Charleston walking, carriage, and bus tours go by the house, but few take you inside.
Things to know before you go
The Nathaniel Russell House is a must-see for history buffs or first-time visitors.
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the house.
Admission is free for children under 6.
The house is wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
The Nathaniel Russell House is in the South of Broad neighborhood, within easy walking distance of most areas of historic Charleston. The nearest public bus stop is at Broad Street / Meeting Street, serviced by bus No. 211.
When to get there
The house is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with docent-led tours available throughout the day. Plan your visit in the winter holiday season for a candlelight tour of the home decorated for the holidays.
Who was Nathaniel Russell?
Nathaniel Russell was a prosperous shipping merchant and slave trader who married into one of Charleston’s wealthiest families. He built his townhome as a way to show off this immense wealth. At a time when the average house was valued at US $262, Russell’s home cost US $80,000 to build.
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