Watts-Todd-Dunklin House
The Watts-Todd-Dunklin House, also known as the Williams-Watts-Todd-Dunklin House, is a historic residence located at 544 West Main Street in Laurens, South Carolina. Built around 1812, it stands as one of the oldest homes in Laurens and is a notable example of an upcountry farmhouse, or “I-House,” reflecting the vernacular architectural style of early 19th-century South Carolina.
The two-story, five-bay frame house is set on a raised brick basement and features a symmetrical façade with a wide porch supported by informally spaced columns. Distinctive architectural elements include two pipe-stem chimneys and heart-pine shiplap and clapboard exterior finishes. The rear façade has been altered over time; notably, an 1845 wing was removed in 1950 and converted into a six-room apartment building located behind the main house. At this time, a first-floor sun porch was also added to the rear of the house.
The house was constructed by Washington Williams as a wedding gift for his daughter, Nancy, who married James Watts. After Watts’ death, Nancy sold the property in 1843 to Samuel Todd, a physician. The Todd family maintained ownership of the house for about a century, reflecting the prominence and respectability of its owners. In 1950, James G. Dunklin purchased the property and initiated a program of restoration, preserving its historical integrity. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 1, 1974.
The Watts-Todd-Dunklin House is situated in the heart of Laurens, within the Laurens Historic District. It is a featured location on the Laurens Downtown Dash & Discover Scavenger Hunt, allowing visitors to explore this historic site and others in the area.