Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content

The puzzling history of two houses on Meeting and Wentworth

The Historic Charleston Foundation is working to uncover the history of the late Tom Russell, an enslaved man and rebellion leader in the early 1820s.

Sponsored by
The dining room of the Nathaniel Russel House in Charleston.

The Historic Charleston Foundation is digging into the history of the Nathaniel Russell House.

Photo by Susan Sully

The Historic Charleston Foundation is piecing together a complex historic puzzle. For years, HCF staff have worked to uncover who enslaved Tom Russell: Sarah Russell or... Sarah Russell. You read that right.

New research from HCF reconnects a co-conspirator of the Denmark Vesey rebellion — an unrealized uprising of enslaved people planned for Charleston in 1822 — to Sarah Hopton Russell of Meeting Street’s Nathaniel Russell House. That person could have been Tom, said to have been the “armorer of the rebellion” for making weapons.

There’s also a possibility that Tom was enslaved by a different Sarah Russell, the widow of blacksmith John Russell who lived on Wentworth Street (near conspiracy activities).

So, Wentworth or Meeting? There may never be a conclusive answer, but HCF is re-examining the circumstantial evidence to bring Tom’s story back to light and learn more about those who played a part in this act of resistance.

Dive into the research

More from CHStoday
CHStoday readers weigh in on the classic Thanksgiving debate of which side dish is the best, plus the proper way to pronounce pecan.
Toadfish Conservation Coalition’s annual fundraiser brings oysters and live music to Bowen’s Island Restaurant.
Use our guide to navigate dozens of holiday events happening from Summerville to IOP and everywhere in between.
The team behind 71 Wentworth aimed to preserve architectural integrity while transforming it into contemporary homes.
Hit the road and head to Savannah — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
Sweeter than Fiction also sells apparel, stickers, tumblers, candles, and stationery from its King Street store.
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Charleston?
Get to know a baker who calls Charleston home and prepare to cheer her on the Food Network’s “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” competition.
Get ready to make waves at Riverfront Park.
Fleet Landing is a locally-owned seafood restaurant that is celebrating a major milestone + giving back to the Charleston community.