It is believed that the Fireproof Building in Charleston, South Carolina is the oldest if not one of the oldest fireproof building in the United States. The building was inspired with Palladian design and Doric porticoes. It was built in 1827, Robert Mills being its designer and John G. Spindle the constructor.
The Fireproof Building was one of the earliest structures ever constructed using fireproof materials and was used as an office building by Charleston County. Once, the building caught fire, and much of the upper floor was destroyed, but thanks to Robert Mills? design, the first floor was spared from any serious damage. The building is currently the home of South Carolina Historical Society. It was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and was acclaimed a National Historic Landmark in the year 1973.
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