The Seay House, preserved and interpreted by the Spartanburg County Historical Association, offers a unique window into the everyday life of rural, middle-class women in late 19th-century Spartanburg County. Originally situated on the Seay family farm, the house was home to three unmarried sisters—Ruthy, Sarah, and Patsy Seay—who inherited the property from their father and continued to operate it well into their later years. Unlike earlier interpretations that focused on Revolutionary War veteran James Seay, research and archaeological evidence redirected the focus to the sisters’ lives during the 1880s and 1890s, a period of significant social and economic change in the South. Their story highlights the labor-intensive lives of Southern farm women, their contributions to both domestic and agricultural work, and their modest yet stable economic independence, which included money lending and land management. As active members of Central Methodist Church, the sisters also reflect how women participated in and shaped their communities through religious and civic engagement. The Seay House today stands as a testament to their resilience and provides a tangible space to explore themes of women’s history, agrarian life, and post-Civil War Southern society.
106 Darby Rd, Spartanburg, SC
Visit
The Seay House shares the stories of women in the late 1800s through the lens of the three Seay sisters who lived in the home and ran their self-sufficient farm. The Seay House is believed to be the oldest house inside the city limits of Spartanburg. Evidence indicates that it was built prior to 1850.
Hours
Open for public tours on the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Regular Admission
Includes a guided tour of the home
Adult- $8
Senior- $7
Child (6-17)- $5
Child 5 and Under- Free
FIELD TRIPS FOR STUDENTS
Guided Tour: $3 per student
Guided Tour with Living History Activity: $5 per child
Adult chaperones, $5 each; School employees, FREE
Minimum 10 students
Maximum group total of 40 children & adults
Covered picnic area on site
PRIVATE GROUP TOURS FOR ADULTS OR FAMILIES
Self-Guided Tour: $5 per person
Guided Tour: $7 per person
Minimum 10 people
Maximum group total of 30 people
Covered picnic area on site