John Alexander Fant House
The John Alexander Fant House, also known as The Fant House, is a historic residence located at 713 East Main Street in Union, South Carolina. Constructed in 1901, this two-story weatherboard home is a contributing property within the East Main Street–Douglass Heights Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Designed by Atlanta architect W.T. Downing, the house showcases Italianate architectural influences. Notable features include:
A two-story rectangular bay with a tripartite traceried window and bas-relief panels
- Modillions and dentils adorning the cornice
- A wraparound porch supported by Ionic columns
The interior boasts approximately 5,800 square feet of living space, featuring:
An open foyer, music room, living room, dining room, kitchen, and butler’s pantry
- A master bedroom and bath on the main level
- Five additional bedrooms and two full baths upstairs
- Ten fireplaces and 11-foot ceilings throughout
- Front and back staircases
The property spans 3.69 acres, including a double garage and three outbuildings.
John Alexander Fant was a prominent entrepreneur and industrialist in Union County. He served as Mayor of Union from 1893 to 1897 and played a pivotal role in the local textile industry by helping to found Union Mill in 1893 and establishing Monarch Mill in 1900. Fant’s contributions significantly influenced the economic development of the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As a private residence, the John Alexander Fant House is not open to the public. However, its architectural grandeur can be appreciated from the street. Visitors are encouraged to view the exterior respectfully from public sidewalks or roads.