Merridun, an antebellum mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is surrounded by shady oaks and century old magnolias and is located in the gently rolling upstate region of South Carolina. The nine-acre property is located in the tranquil community of Union, South Carolina. The mansion, although very secluded, is only 3-4 blocks from the main section of downtown Union.
Now one of the most regal homes in this city of colonnaded mansions, the originally Georgian styled house was built in 1855-57 by William Keenan, a local merchant and {also intendant (mayor) of Union} in 1855. The property at that time included 4000 acres and was known as Keenan Plantation.
The house and property were acquired in 1876 by Benjamin H. Rice, a local Union lawyer. He had inherited a plantation in the Buffalo area known as Pleasant Grove, which adjoined the Keenan property. At the time of purchase, the house in Union became their town home on this 8000 acre estate; cotton was the main industry of the plantation. Some major renovations were done to the home in the early 1880's.
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