The Fireproof Building
The First of Its Kind in the United States
Built between 1822 and 1826, The Fireproof Building was the first fireproof building built in our nation’s history. At that time, Charleston had already had three major fires, and two more were yet to come!
This building was designed by famed architect, and Charleston native, Robert Mills. He would also design the Washington Monument, The US Treasury Building, The General Post Office and The US Patent Office, which is now part of the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, DC.
Other Mills designed buildings in Charleston are First Baptist Church on Church St and the Old Marine Hospital on Franklin St. The Fireproof Building was the first public building in Charleston to be designed in Greek Revival architecture.
The South Carolina Historical Society
Founded in 1855, the South Carolina Historical Society moved into the Fireproof Building in 1943. Its first president was well known Charleston abolitionist James Pettigru.
Today, the South Carolina Historical Society boasts the largest and oldest private archives in the state. The archives are now housed on Calhoun St, while the Fireproof Building is now home to the South Carolina Historical Society Museum and most recently, the Historic Charleston Supper Club.