Palmetto Trust Preservation Projects

Dawkins House’s History Unearthed (again) - October 23, 2009

The Dawkins House has been purchased - June 08, 2009

Visit our Dawkins House properity listing.

Saving South Carolina's Forgotten Capital - WSPA News Ch. 7, Sept. 5 2008

Save This Old House  - This Old House Magazine, Sept. 8 2008

The Dawkins House, one of the most historic structures from South Carolina’s history is on the path to full restoration.

The Dawkins House, used as a refuge for the Palmetto State’s government in 1865 when Columbia was burned and its capital building destroyed, will now be restored to its former glory. Last week Peter Triggiani, an experienced historic preservationist, bought the house for one dollar from the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation and the Union/Laurens Commission on Higher Education.

“We are honored to be a part of this landmark project.  The Dawkins House is a treasure trove of architectural history,” said Michael Bedenbaugh, Executive Director for the Palmetto Trust.  “Each time we visit, we find something new. During our last visit, we discovered ceiling joist beams in the back of the house that could date back as far as the 18th century.”

When the Dawkins House was originally donated by Thomas Simmons to USC Union in 1999, they had planned to restore the structure into office space until budget constraints halted their plans.  When the Palmetto Trust was invited to get involved in the late summer months of 2008, the structure was in much need of stabilization and repair.

"I am personally grateful to the Palmetto Trust for their role in the release of this house to those who will restore it and preserve its history,” said Colonel William Jack Whitener, Chairman Emeritus for the Union/Laurens Commission on Higher Education.  “This is a great day for USC Union, our Commission, the Palmetto Trust and the citizens of our great State."

During the past year, the Palmetto Trust has helped to secure a matching grant for the Dawkins House from the National Trust.  The money was used for an engineering survey and a materials assessment to determine the restorability of this termite damaged structure.

“We are excited that Mr. Triggiani has taken on the mission of preserving this magnificent piece of history for future generations to enjoy,” Bedenbaugh said. 

Triggiani, the former Chairman of a Historic Preservation Commission in NC, found the house through the Palmetto Trust’s website and plans to do most of the restoration work himself. He has restored 4 other historic properties in the region.

“Here was this old home, that had the distinction of housing one of South Carolina’s three capitals and not many people in the area were even aware that it existed,” said Triggiani of his interest in the Dawkins House.  “I am honored to be a part of restoring the recognition that this house deserves.”

The Dawkins House, which has been on the National Register since 1974, was sold to Triggiani under easement. This easement requires the new owner to follow very strict restoration agreements and covenants to completely restore the house within three years and then maintain it to the highest standards of the Secretary of Interior’s Guidelines for the rehabilitation of historic homes. 

Speaking on behalf of Union/Laurens Commission for Higher Education and USC Union, Hugh C. Rowland, Regional Campus Dean for USC Union summed the transaction up with these thoughts: “We all should celebrate when we can preserve important parts of our country’s history for future generations. I want to thank Colonel Jack Whitener, the Palmetto Trust and all the others who made this preservation possible.”