At the beginning of the 20th century, steel magnate Andrew Carnegie funded the creation of thousands of libraries across the U.S., including 15 in South Carolina. The first of these in the state was the Carnegie Free Library in Union County, commissioned in 1903 and built in 1905. Designed in the Beaux Arts style by Wheeler & Runge, the library became a local landmark with its notable architectural features. Today, it remains one of only four Carnegie Libraries still standing in South Carolina and fewer than 1,000 nationwide.
The McWhirter House was designed by prominent architect Joseph Cunningham from Greenville, South Carolina. Built in 1909 for Mrs. Hattie Fripp McWhirter, this neo-classical home was the residence of the McWhirter family, who were influential in Jonesville. The McWhirters owned several stores and business ventures in town. Initially, they were managed by James McWhirter, but he died in 1906. The sons took over the family businesses and continued their father’s legacy.
It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Interior photos can be viewed on the South Carolina Department of Archives & History website.
This home was built in 1878 and is a contributing property to the South Street Historic District.
