Calhoun Mansion

Built by George Walton Williams, a native businessman and humanitarian, who wanted to revive Charleston while Union soldiers occupied the city in 1876, is now a museum and private residence. Spread over 24,000 square feet (2,229 square meters), with 35 rooms and 23 fireplaces, the Italianate style home is named after Patrick Calhoun, the grandson of Vice President John C. Calhoun, who married the daughter of Walton Williams. It includes a 90 foot (27 meter) cupola, Tiffany glass, decorative arts, antiques and ornate chandeliers. Visitors can wander through the beautiful gardens gracefully punctuated by water features and take a guided tour of the establishment.