Gallows Hill
Gallows Hill is located at 441 Greenville Street in Pendleton as part of the town’s historic walking tour. The name comes from local lore: the site of an alleged hanging at some point in its past. Originally constructed around 1840 by Col. Joseph Taylor; building was later completed in the 1860s. In the 1860s, it became the residence of Rev. Dr. John B. Adger, a prominent local clergyman. Fully restored and expanded in 1985, preserving its mid‑19th-century character. Though privately owned, the structure contributes to the broader historic district that was added to the National Register in 1970 .
- Cultural intrigue: The “Gallows Hill” moniker lends a layer of frontier-era folklore to Pendleton’s architectural landscape.
- Architectural continuity: The house mirrors the Greek Revival and vernacular stylistic trends of mid-1800s Southern Upcountry dwellings.
- Connections: Ties to significant local personages like Joseph Taylor and Rev. Adger enrich its historical relevance.