Then and Now (1862 and 2025)- General Isaac Stevens

Isaac Stevens was born in North Andover, Massachusetts in 1818. He graduated first in his West Point class of 1839 and served as adjutant of the Army Corps of Engineers in the Mexican-American War where he was promoted to Captain then Major. After the war he remained in the army superintending fortifications on the New England coast from 1841 until 1849. Subsequently he commanded the U.S. Coastal Survey office until 1853. As a reward for his support in the 1852 Presidential election he was appointed governor of the newly created Washington territory and Superintendant of Indian Affairs there. His time as governor was marked by controversy for the brutal methods he used in forcing Native American tribes to sign treaties. President Pierce refused to remove him despite multiple requests to do so. Following the first battle Battle of Bull Run Stevens was appointed colonel of the 79th NY. On September 28, 1861, he was promoted to brigadier general and fought at the Battles of Port Royal Ferry, First Pocotaligo and Secessionville in South Carolina. It was during his time in South Carolina in March of 1862 that Timothy O’Sullivan took the two pictures below of General Stevens and his staff.

**His son Hazard Stevens is third from the left. Link**

These pictures were taken on the porch of the John Joyner Smith house in Beaufort, South Carolina, shown below, which served as Stevens headquarters.

**John Joyner Smith house- 32.4330233, -80.6777428**

The same ornate top to the door seen in the 1862 pictures is still present.

Stevens and his staff would have had a great view of the Beaufort River from the porch.

General Stevens was transferred to Virginia after his time in SC where he was killed at the Battle of Chantilly on September 1, 1862. His son Hazard Stevens was also wounded at the same battle. He would recover and go on to be awarded the Medal of Honor. After Isaac Stevens death he was promoted posthumously to major general.

The house was listed for sale in November of 2025 by Lowcountry Real Estate. An excerpt of the description of the home on homes.com (link) states “Iconic John Joyner Smith House, Circa 1811 – 400 Wilmington Street. A rare opportunity to own one of the most distinguished historic homes in the area, the John Joyner Smith House stands proudly on a full city block with commanding presence and timeless elegance. Originally constructed circa 1811, this architectural gem underwent a significant transformation in the 1850s, when the main entrance was relocated to Wilmington Street, giving the home its current distinguished front facade and grand street presence. This 4,450 sqft main residence features 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 baths, including double parlors adorned with elaborate crown molding, multiple fireplaces, and expansive wood floors throughout. The formal living and dining rooms offer elegant spaces for entertaining, while jib windows on both deep porches ensure effortless indoor-outdoor flow and optimal southern breezes. Two-story piazzas, supported by eight full-height round columns, provide gracious outdoor living with sweeping views and unmatched charm. With large windows facing Bay Street and an elaborately detailed exterior, the home is bathed in natural light and offers breathtaking views in every direction. Despite its grandeur, it retains a sense of warmth and livability, ideal for both grand entertaining and comfortable day-to-day living.” Multiple exterior and interior pictures of the home are on the site. They were taken by Moonfall Photography for Lowcountry Real Estate. Some of these are shown below.

An article also appeared in USA Today describing the home (link). Excerpts from that article- “Originally built in 1811 by planter John Joyner Smith, the home reflects the wealth Smith accumulated during the cotton boom of the 1810s and 1820s. The residence occupies a full city block and stands as one of the area’s most distinguished historic homes. In the 1850s, the home underwent renovations, moving the main entrance to Wilmington Street, creating the stately front façade and commanding street presence facing Bay Street seen today.” “Following the Union invasion, Brigadier General Isaac Stevens and his troops stayed in the residence for the duration of the occupation. During this period John Joyner Smith lost both his Beaufort home and his 700-acre Smith Plantation at Old Fort on Port Royal Island. Smith Plantation, a tabby colonial fort site known as Old Fort Plantation, was occupied by Union forces and became Camp Saxton in 1862, which housed newly formed Black military units.This site is historically significant, as it’s the location of one of the earliest readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. Much of the site still remains Federal property and is home to the Naval Hospital Beaufort.”