Earle Towne House, Greenville

The Earle Towne House, nestled in the Earle Street Historic District of Greenville, stands as a remarkable example of 19th- and early 20th-century residential architecture. While long believed to have been built around 1810 for Congressman Elias T. Earle, historical records suggest a different origin. Constructed more likely between 1829 and 1834 by Samuel Green or Elias Drayton Earle, the house boasts a rich history intertwined with Greenville's past.

Over the years, the house changed hands, each owner leaving their mark on its legacy. From James A. David, a prominent merchant and essayist, to Mary Chevillette Simms Oliphant, granddaughter of renowned novelist William Gilmore Simms, the house witnessed various renovations and transformations. Oliphant, in particular, undertook extensive renovations in the 1920s, restoring the house to its original Federal style while preserving its unique features, including hand-hewn timbers and a hand-carved mantelpiece.

Today, the Earle Towne House stands as a testament to Greenville's architectural heritage, listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1969. Its story reflects the evolving landscape of Greenville, from its early days to the present. Visitors can explore the house and gain insight into its rich history, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who called it home over the centuries.