At a convocation in August 2005, a student and professor of the American College of the Building Arts tapped their hammers on metal plugs sticking out of a stone block, symbolically opening the way for the college to take up residence at one of Charleston's most historic plantation homes. Both the event and the location hold a great deal of historic significance.
The idea to create a college that teaches blacksmithing, masonry, timber framing, finish carpentry and stone carving began when Charleston native John Paul Huguley, a structural engineer with a historic preservation background, saw a need for skilled craftsman to help solve the growing problem of building preservation.
The problem became even more evident after Hurricane Hugo swept through the city in 1989, severely damaging many of the historic structures. In 1998, a small team led by Huguley worked tirelessly to create the School of the Building Arts.
Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and the citizens of Charleston sought to restore the buildings by using traditional building methods and materials. The college will provide training for design and craftsmanship in these special methods.
After the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education licensed the school to begin recruiting in July 2004, the institution changed its name to the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA).
The Old City Jail, in the heart of downtown Charleston, serves as the downtown campus for the ACBA. The facility also serves as a living laboratory and classroom, where students gain a wealth of experience helping to renovate the historic property.
In December 2004, an extensive search for a permanent campus site culminated in the purchase of the McLeod Plantation from the Historic Charleston Foundation, which had received the property following Willie McLeod's death in 1990.
Located across Charleston Harbor just southwest of the city, McLeod Plantation encompasses 60 acres of fields and woods. The area that is now known as McLeod Plantation first appeared on a 1695 map as a 617-acre plantation along the Wappoo and Stono rivers on James Island. The McLeod Plantation has a special place in Charleston's historic timeline. The property features an antebellum plantation house and a row of slave quarters. Both the plantation house and the slave quarters are in remarkably good condition. The old slave bell used to call slaves in from the field still hangs from an oak tree near the main house. Also on the premises are a barn dating from the late 19th century, a dairy, a gin house and a kitchen that was separate from the main house.
The plantation's illustrious history includes encampment by both Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War. It was also occupied for a time by the 54th and 55th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiments, composed of African-American soldiers (and made famous by the movie Glory). The front parlor was used as a surgical theater, and many who died from their wounds were buried in the nearby cemetery.
Thousands of artifacts dating back 6,000 years have been found on the property that is currently not open to the public.
The Plantation is the location of the ACBA with four-year curriculum focused on instruction in traditional building arts. The best people to educate the next generation of building artisans are current master artisans who have worked and trained to the highest standards in the building arts. The ratio of instructor (master) to student (apprentice) is one of the lowest in any higher educational institution in America.
As with the Old City Jail, students will be able to help restore the structures to their former glory. The work will help create an even stronger sense of community between master and apprentice artisans, linking them to the preservation of history in Charleston.
To inquire about enrollment or donation, contact the American College of the Building Arts at:
Toll-free: 877.283.5245
Tel: 843.577.5245
American College of the Building Arts
1362 McMillan Avenue, Suite 102
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
For a list of must-see plantation tours and contact info, please click here.
Authentic Lowcountry cuisine, charming ambiance, coupled with an award-winning wine list will make dining at 82 Queen an incomparable experience. With gracious Southern hospitality and fresh local home-grown ingredients 82 Queen has been providing her guests with a uniquely “Charleston” dining experience for almost a quarter of a century. Prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood and indigenous foods. Charleston’s historic French Quarter. Open daily.
Freshfields Village feels instantly familiar, yet it's like no place you've ever seen. It's a charming mix of shops, businesses and restaurants in a timeless and peaceful setting designed to evoke an era gone by. Find the perfect gift, enjoy fine and casual dining and share unique cultural events like outdoor concerts, art exhibits and festivals. Get information about the latest happenings at Freshfields on the web site. Located on Johns Island, at the crossroads of Kiawah and Seabrook.
Take a side trip to Summerville, South Carolina - just 24 miles outside of Charleston, making it the perfect day trip location to add to your itinerary. Great shopping and dining establishments add to Summerville's character, and you'll be pleased with the variety of accommodations. But we believe it's our Southern charm and historic flavor that makes Summerville and Dorchester County a 'must-see' destination. Get details about current events and festivals on the site.
At a convocation in August 2005, a student and professor of the American College of the Building Arts tapped their hammers on metal plugs sticking out of a stone block, symbolically opening the way for the college to take up residence at one of Charleston's most historic plantation homes. Both the event and the location hold a great deal of historic significance.
The Old City Jail, in the heart of downtown Charleston, serves as the downtown campus for the ACBA. The facility also serves as a living laboratory and classroom, where students gain a wealth of experience helping to renovate the historic property.
Authentic Lowcountry cuisine, charming ambiance, coupled with an award-winning wine list will make dining at 82 Queen an incomparable experience. With gracious Southern hospitality and fresh local home-grown ingredients 82 Queen has been providing her guests with a uniquely “Charleston” dining experience for almost a quarter of a century. Prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood and indigenous foods. Charleston’s historic French Quarter. Open daily.
Freshfields Village feels instantly familiar, yet it's like no place you've ever seen. It's a charming mix of shops, businesses and restaurants in a timeless and peaceful setting designed to evoke an era gone by. Find the perfect gift, enjoy fine and casual dining and share unique cultural events like outdoor concerts, art exhibits and festivals. Get information about the latest happenings at Freshfields on the web site. Located on Johns Island, at the crossroads of Kiawah and Seabrook.
Take a side trip to Summerville, South Carolina - just 24 miles outside of Charleston, making it the perfect day trip location to add to your itinerary. Great shopping and dining establishments add to Summerville's character, and you'll be pleased with the variety of accommodations. But we believe it's our Southern charm and historic flavor that makes Summerville and Dorchester County a 'must-see' destination. Get details about current events and festivals on the site.
