In 1867 a group of nine determined women and a Huguenot minister began work establishing a home for mothers, widows, and daughters of Confederate soldiers. Two of the founding women mortgaged their homes to pay the rent for the old Carolina Hotel on Broad Street. From this humble beginning grew an institution that has served thousands of women for more than a century.

While the mission of the Confederate Home has changed through the years, it has always offered respite for women. From 1900-1923 the site was used as The Confederate College, and many graduates went on to higher education. Early in the 20th century, the dormitories were converted into apartments for residents and studios for artists and writers. The garden, neglected for many years, was reclaimed after hurricane Hugo by another determined pair.  Garden club member Mary Hopkins and her husband Jack assisted the Confederate Home with a garden redesign and restoration as well as updating and repairing the masonry work. The fountain, which they donated, is the focal point in the garden today