South Carolina Department of Archives and History
National Register Properties in South Carolina

Donald Bruce House, Orangeburg County (U.S. Hwy. 301, Orangeburg vicinity)
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Facade Left Oblique Left Elevation Rear Elevation Left Elevation
Chimney Detail
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Interior
Central Hall
Interior
Fireplace
Interior
Door Hardware

(Middlepen Plantation) The Donald Bruce House is one of the oldest surviving structures in the Orangeburg area. According to local tradition, it was used as headquarters during the Revolution by both Governor John Rutledge and by the British commander, Lord Francis Rawdon. The house is named for Donald Bruce, prominent merchant, local public official and member of the South Carolina General Assembly during the Revolution. The house is also significant as an example of 18th century vernacular architecture. The house is believed to have been constructed before the American Revolution, however the actual date of construction is uncertain. Originally built in downtown Orangeburg, the house was moved to Middlepen Plantation ca. 1837. One hundred years later, the house would make a second move, one hundred yards to its present location. The two-story frame structure features a two-tiered front piazza, pegged construction, hand-wrought nails and handmade hardware. Constructed of pine, the house has wide flush boards on the front and clapboards on other sides. Listed in the National Register December 1, 1978.

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