DuPre House History

The DuPre House occupies town lot 53, first laid out by Elisha Screven in 1734. The lot had several owners: John Caine, a blacksmith (1734): Christopher Caine: and John Arthur, who built the first house. By 1752, the premises were owned by Mary and William Topping who, on October 4 of that year, sold the lot and house to Paul Trapier, referred to as the "King of Georgetown." One year later, in 1753, the house was sold again, this time to Susannah Gignilliat, daughter of Johan Gignilliat and Mary Magdalen DuPre. Susannah and lived in the house until at least 1776, as she filed a claim for reimbursement during the American Revolution for supplies given to American troops.

Records of ownership for the next 60 years were destroyed as a result of Sherman's Advance during the Civil War. By the 1840's the house was owned by the June Easterling Estate, and October 4, 1868 was sold at auction for $610 to Benjamin I. Hazard, a shipping magnate. In 1892 Benjamins's widow sold lot 53 to John Bourne for $5,500.

Though the house at 921 Prince Street has been extensively altered in the twentieth century, its second floor wall overhang on the northwestern facade remains as a rare example of an old building technique that is uncommon in the southeastern states. Even with extensive renovation, the DuPre House serves as a reminder of the architectural heritage brought to Georgetown by the early residents.

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