National Historic Landmark- Hibernian Hall

Completed in 1840, this is the only extant building associated with the Democratic Convention of 1860, one of the most critical political assemblies in the history of the United States.

At Charleston, the fate of the old party system was sealed: The Democratic Party was shattered and Republican victory assured in the fall. Hibernian Hall served as headquarters for the faction supporting Stephen A. Douglas, the pivotal personality of the convention.

Courtesy National Park Service National Historic Landmarks

Photo courtesy Library of Congress Historic American Building Survey