Cabbage Row Explained

Cabbage Row is a set of pre-Revolutionary buildings at 89 and 91 Church Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The buildings are most notable for having been the inspiration for "Catfish Row" in the DuBose Heyward novel Porgy and later the opera Porgy and Bess by Gershwin.^[1] DuBose Heyward had lived nearby on Church Street.^[2]

The buildings were perhaps operated as counting houses when they were built, but after the earthquake of 1886, their condition deteriorated until they were a well-known "resort for sailors."^[3]

The property was bought by landscape architect Loutrel Briggs in February 1928. Mr. Briggs intended to restore the buildings as residences suitable for artists.^[4] The property sold next to Charles H. Gibbs and his business partners in 1955.^[5]

References

32.7752°N -79.9292°W

Notes and References

1. News: Cabbage Row's New Dignity . Evening Post . February 20, 1928 . April 8, 2016 . Charleston, South Carolina . 7 . registration.
2. News: Remember 'Porgy'? He Was Very Much Alive . News and Courier . January 28, 1951 . April 8, 2016 . Collier, Bryan . Charleston, South Carolina . 4–F . registration.
3. News: Cabbage Row Bought by Dawson from Mrs. Briggs . News and Courier . February 13, 1945 . April 8, 2016 . Charleston, South Carolina . 10 . registration.
4. News: Artists to Live in Cabbage Row . News and Courier . February 7, 1928 . April 8, 2016 . Charleston, South Carolina . 1 . registration.
5. News: Cabbage Row, Landmark of City, Is Sold . News and Courier . November 19, 1955 . April 8, 2016 . Charleston, South Carolina . 10 . registration.