The antebellum house at 47 Meeting Street was once the home of planter Edward Barnwell. From his home in the economic center of Charleston, Barnwell could monitor markets, purchase supplies and ship products for his surrounding rural plantations. Before long the business expanded and he began providing these same cotton factor services to other plantation owners.

Barnwell's business flourished and life was good. As the family expanded, so did the house. Judging from the size of the current structure, there must have been several expansions to accommodate his 17 children. Barnwell also had an interest in gardening and produced award winning fruits and vegetables in the yard. Now a gated courtyard, some of the original gardens still exist.