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Following the Allston family's removal to Chicora Wood in 1869, the Russell House was sold in 1870 to the Sisters of Charity of
Our Lady of Mercy, a Catholic order, to serve as a school for young ladies. By 1876, the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy had an enrollment of up to 120 day students.
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The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy offered a varied curriculum. In addition to the essential academic subjects,
instruction included "Instrumental and Vocal Music, Drawing, Painting and Wax Work, Plain and Ornamental
Needle-Work, Lace Work, &c." as well as more practical lessons in "domestic economy."
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Because the novitiate nuns lived off-site in a house on Queen Street, all of the rooms in the Russell House could be used as
classrooms, including the vestibule. Therefore, the most commonly used entrance during this period was the north door beneath
the free-flying staircase.
On Tuesday evening, August 31,1886, Charleston experienced a tremendous earthquake, considered to be the worst in the history
of the city. The "Great Quake" killed 27 people and caused an estimated six million dollars damage to the city. Masonry buildings
in general did not fare well, as they are less pliant than wood frame buildings. Fortunately, damage to the Russell House was
limited to some cracking in the masonry walls that could be repaired. The stable received damage and was later rebuilt as a one-story structure.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, many Charlestonians sought to stabilize and strengthen their buildings from future quakes with
iron tie-rods run between parallel structural walls and secured on the exterior with iron bolts. These earthquake bolts, such as those
visible on the east and north elevations of the Russell House, often featured decorative shapes and are now a common characteristic of Charleston architecture.
In 1901, the Sisters of Charity relocated the academy to another building. The Russell House remained the motherhouse for their religious
order until 1908, when it was sold to the Mullally family for use, once again, as a private residence.
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LOCATION
Downtown at 51 Meeting Street, two blocks south of the "Four Corners of Law" (intersection of Broad and Meeting streets)
Click the map above for Driving Directions.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Saturday : 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Sunday : 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m.
PURCHASE TICKETS
$10 or visit both the Nathaniel Russell House and the Aiken-Rhett House for $16. Tickets may be purchased at either site.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
INFORMATION
Phone: (843) 724-8481
Email: vperry@historiccharleston.org
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