The Stories
Doris was very proud of her husband’s family, which she researched all the way back to the 1400’s. The plates, listed in chronological order below, depict the homes belonging to Gadsden’s over a 600 year timespan.
It is important to acknowledge that the history of several of these families and homes are tied both to the foundation of the United States, and to the history of slavery. Several of these homes were plantations upon which families were kept in forced labor for generations. The wealth experienced by several generations of Gadsdens was built on the backs of enslaved peoples forced to labor on Gadsden plantations. Many of these also came through Gadsden’s Warf in Charleston, the current location of the African American International Museum.
This history of harm was not emphasized in these paintings, which are depicted with grandeur in an illustrative style. This storybook version of history was consistent with Doris’ view of the Gadsden legacy, a pride that quietly excluded the harsher side of reality. Today, however, as we honor these works, we cannot talk about the beauty of these paintings without also acknowledging the harm that came with the wealth they represent.
John of Gaddesden House
Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England. Still standing, this is the restored home of John of Gaddesden, our earliest known ancestor. John was the first royal physician educated in England. He served as physician to the king, treated the Black Prince, was friends with Chaucer, and likely was the model for the Physician in Canterbury Tales. He held a stall in St. Phillips in London, and was also the author of a medical book, Rosa Anglica.
Anson-Gadsden House
Charleston, South Carolina. This was the home of the first Gadsden in the American Colonies. The house belonged to Thomas Gadsden, collector at the Port of Charleston for the king. He built the house as his plantation on the outskirts of Charleston. He also loved to gamble, and lost the house and plantation in a card game with Lord Anson. The home is still standing.
Georgetown House
Georgetown, South Carolina. This plantation home belonged to General Christopher Gadsden, son of Thomas Gadsden. He was a revolutionary war hero and slave owner. Christopher also built Gadsden’s Warf, the largest warf south of Philadelphia. Christopher died around the time that the the warf began importing slaves. Christopher served in the Stamp Act Congress and the First and Second Continental Congress. During that time, he created the “Don’t Tread on Me” flag. While he helped inform the writing of the Declaration of Independence, he did not get to sign it because he was defending Charleston in the war. He was dear with President John Adams, with whom he later shared his concerns about the institution of slavery. The home is still standing.
Gadsden House in Charleston
Georgetown, South Carolina. Still standing directly across the road from the location of the old Gadsden Warf, this house was built by Christopher and his son Phillip. It has a historic designation and is currently being used as an event center.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Summerville, South Carolina. Built buy Phillip’s son, Reverend Phillp II, the church stood on his land and near his home in Summerville. He served as the Reverend of the church for decades. His brother was the Bishop of South Carolina.
Gadsden Manor
Summerville, South Carolina. Now the location of the Gadsden Manor Inn, this house still stands on 100 wooded acres in the middle of town. The home belonged to the cousin of Reverend Phillip.
Wacissa
Wacissa, Florida. This home belonged to General James Gadsden, grandson of Christopher and great, great uncle to Doris’ husband, Thomas. He was an early explorer of Florida for the US Millitary, served under President Jackson as Aide de Camp. He fought in the war of 1812 and in the Seminole wars, and played a major role in the mass forced migration of the Seminole Indians from Central Florida to Oklahoma (with the exception of some who retreated to the Everglades and preserved a culture that continues there today). He negotiated and signed the Gadsden Purchase with Santa Anna. He also was railroad executive who attempted to extend rail service from the deep south to California prior to the Civil War. The house no longer stands.
Pimlico
Monks Corner, South Carolina. This home also belonged to James Gadsden, who had it built in his later years and lived there until his death.
Savannah
Savannah, Georgia. Still standing, this home belonged to Thomas Gadsden, the grandfather of Doris’ husband, Thomas. He was a private in the Civil War. He was captured at Petersburg and imprisoned in Point Lookout, Maryland. After the war Thomas moved into this home in Savannah and worked as a bank clerk.
Chicago
Beverly Hills, Chicago, Illinois. Also still standing, this home belonged to Thomas Gadsden’s son, Thomas, father of Doris’ husband Thomas. He moved from Savannah to Chicago seeking a better life during the Reconstruction. He eventually became a Vice President of Swifton Company.
Thomascello
Montecello, Florida. One mile south of the Georgia/Florida state line, this was the farmhouse belonging originally built by Thomas of Chicago (above) and eventually was managed and inherited by Doris’ husband, Thomas. The farm primarily raised chickens, and was where Doris and Tom met and were living when their son, Thomas was born.
Holly Hill
Holly, Hill, Florida. Thomas and Doris moved from the farm into this house in Holly Hill, Florida (near Daytona Beach) where they raised their son and lived for over 50 years. Behind the home was a studio where Thomas’ sister Lucetta convalesced from tuberculosis and was later used as an art studio and classroom.
Worthington
Worthington, Ohio. This is the third home of Dr. Thomas Gadsden and his wife Sandy after living first in Gainesville and then in Richardson, Texas. They lived there for ten years and during the time the plates were painted. They lived there until they moved to Bandera, Texas, where they retired to enjoy their travels, their kids and their grandkids.