Perched on Augusta Street in the heart of McCormick County, the Otway Henderson House is a striking example of Second Empire architecture, built around 1889 by Otway Henderson—a prominent local cotton farmer and entrepreneur. Its graceful design reflects Henderson’s economic success and the architectural trends of the late Victorian era.

The house is a one-and-a-half-story, wood-frame dwelling characterized by its signature dual-pitched mansard roof, complete with flared eaves and dormers that punctuate each façade—typical of the Second Empire style’s elegant formality. A welcoming one-story porch stretches across the front and side elevations, supported by square posts and accented with simple railings, providing both shade and a genteel place to gather.

Inside, original woodwork, including Eastlake-style double doors, trim, and a pressed metal ceiling in the entrance hall, evoke the craftsmanship and stylistic richness found in prosperous late-19th-century Southern homes.

Recognized officially for its architectural distinction, the Otway Henderson House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1985. Today it stands not only as a beautiful architectural landmark, but also as a tangible link to McCormick’s agricultural past and the personal legacy of one of the county’s leading early citizens.