The History of Two Meeting Street Inn
(circa 1890)

According to tradition, Waring Carrington, a successful Charleston jeweler, experienced love at first sight when he saw young Martha Williams in the late 1800s. The two were married in 1890 in a celebrated society event for which 2500 invitations were sent. Fittingly, the bride's father, wealthy merchant George Williams, bestowed an incredibly beautiful wedding gift on the newlyweds.

This gift, presented on a rose colored pillow, was a check for $75,000 to be used for the couple's new home at the corner of Meeting Street and South Battery, one of the most desirable properties in Charleston. This gift would be generous even by today's standards, but in the depressed post-war South, the loving gesture was truly extraordinary.

In 1946, the mansion at 2 Meeting Street was purchased by Minnie Spell Carr, aunt (and great aunt) of the current owners, who established a guest house. The Spell family has been welcoming guests ever since. The guest house eventually became Two Meeting Street Inn, which has become known worldwide as a symbol of Charleston's grace, beauty and hospitality. Two Meeting Street is now owned by Mrs. Carr's youngest nephew, Pete Spell, along with his wife and two daughters.