One of the original buildings erected on the university’s Horseshoe, the McCutchen House was built in 1813 as the second faculty residence on the South Carolina College campus.

Miximilian LaBorde, chairman of the faculty of South Carolina College, 1861-1865, lived in the house from 1842 to 1873. A small out-building was erected on the premises especially for professor LaBorde, who found the size of the residence “uncomfortable” for his family of 10 children.

Professor George McCutchen, for whom the building is named, lived in the house with his family from 1915 until World War II. McCutchen was a professor at UofSC for 48 years, and his career highlights many of the evolutionary phases of the university in the 20th century.

Evidence of slave quarters was found on the third floor during renovations in the 1970’s. A University deed dated 1813 was discovered for a slave named Jack.
In 1808, the board of trustees hired one slave to work exclusively for the college at the rate of $100 per year. Several years later, the board hired Jack to work in this capacity. He possessed special skills that made him an excellent asset to the chemical department, where he served as a laboratory assistant. The college purchased Jack in 1816 for $900. The board of trustees refused to pay for his board, instead allowing him to earn his own money when he was not working in the lab. This arrangement lasted for several years until the board ultimately prohibited Jack from selling his own labor.

Today, the McCutchen House is open to the public and is operated by the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management.  Under the close supervision of the director and professional chefs, HRTM students learn management and culinary preparation skills through the preparation and service of a gourmet lunch buffet, which is open to the public during the fall and spring semesters. The McCutchen House also offers services for private or professional events.

Follow this link to purchase a copy of McCutchen House

 

Faculty House, University of South Carolina, Columbia

McCutchen House, University of South Carolina, Columbia