United States Marine Hospital (Charleston, South Carolina) facts for kids
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Old Marine Hospital
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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Old Marine Hospital in Charleston in 1934
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 20 Franklin St., Charleston, South Carolina |
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| Area | .75 acres (0.30 ha) |
| Built | 1833 |
| Architect | Robert Mills |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Part of | Charleston Historic District (ID66000964) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001690 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated NHLDCP | October 9, 1960 |
The Old Marine Hospital is a really old and important building in Charleston, South Carolina. It was built a long time ago, between 1831 and 1833, by a famous architect named Robert Mills. This building is special because it's a great example of a style called Gothic Revival architecture. In 1973, it was made a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very important place in American history. When it was first built, it was a hospital for sick sailors and other travelers who needed medical help.
About the Old Marine Hospital
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The Old Marine Hospital is in the historical part of Charleston. You can find it on Franklin Street, not far from the Old Charleston Jail. It's a two-story building made of stone or brick. It has a special roof that slopes down on all sides, called a hip roof.
The building also has a raised basement with arches, which was a common design for Robert Mills. A large two-story porch stretches across the front of the building. The porch has entrances at each end with tall, pointed arches, a style known as Gothic arches. The porch also has groups of columns and iron railings with a Gothic design. The main entrance is in the middle of the front, with tall Gothic windows on either side.
When the hospital was first built, it had two long sections extending from the back. These parts were later damaged by fire. They were removed when the building was fixed up.
History of the Hospital
The city of Charleston started running the hospital in 1834. They charged ships that arrived in the city a small fee to help pay for the hospital.
During the Civil War, the hospital was used to care for soldiers from the Confederate side, as well as sailors. The building was badly damaged when the Union army attacked Charleston.
After the war, from 1866 to 1870, a church group called the Episcopal Church ran a school there for African American children. Later, from 1895 to 1939, the building became the home of the Jenkins Orphanage. This orphanage cared for young African American children.
In 1939, the building was changed to become offices for the Housing Authority of Charleston. In 1973, the Old Marine Hospital was officially named a National Historic Landmark. It is also recognized as one of the important African American Historic Places in South Carolina.
