1713 Map of Charles Town
Charleston County and the city of Charleston, its county seat, are the most historic locations in the state. In 1663 King Charles II granted a charter to a group of eight English gentlemen who become known as the Lords Proprietors. In his honor they called the land Carolina. One of these eight gentlemen, Lord Anthony Ashley Cooper, encouraged the settlement of Carolina more than the others, and received the honor of having both rivers which surround the city of Charleston named for him. In early April, 1670 the first settlers arrived aboard the Carolina and an unnamed sloop, and established a town at Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River. The settlement, named Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England, was subsequently moved a few miles away to a peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers. In 1712 the province of Carolina became North and South Carolina, each provided with its own governor.
The Powder Magazine, located at 79 Cumberland St., became operational in 1713. Today it is a museum and the oldest public building in the city. In May, 1718 Blackbeard terrorized the city. Capturing a number of the city's leading citizens, he demanded a ransom of food, drugs, and other provisions.
Natives of Scotland, organized the St. Andrew's Society, in 1729, the first such Scottish organization in the world. Named for the patron Saint of Scotland, it lends assistance to widows, orphans, and others in need of help. Henry Middleton began work on his gardens at Middleton Place in 1741. Located about 10 miles from the city on Highway 61, they are today the oldest landscaped gardens in America. The Charleston District was formed in 1769, but portions were later split off to form Colleton (1800) and Berkeley (1882) counties. Present day Charleston County includes the old parishes of St. Philip, St. Michael, Christ Church, St. Andrew, St. John Colleton, and part of St. James Santee.
English and French Huguenot settlers and their African slaves built indigo, rice, and cotton plantations along the area's rivers and on its sea islands, while merchants of many nationalities made Charleston one of the busiest ports on the Atlantic. During the Revolutionary War the American forces defeated the attacking British fleet at Charleston in June 1776; a palmetto log fort (later named Fort Moultrie) on Sullivans Island withstood the British cannon balls, and the palmetto tree was subsequently given a prominent place on the South Carolina flag.
Edgar Allen Poe arrived at Fort Moultrie in November, 1827 and didn't leave until December of the following year. During his stay he gathered material for a number of his works, the most popular being The Gold Bug.
In 1830 "The Best Friend," the first locomotive built in America and used in regular passenger service, became operational. Reaching speeds of 21 mph, it ran on the longest railroad in the world, 136 miles from Charleston to Hamburg, S.C.
At another Charleston fort, Fort Sumter, federal troops were fired on by Confederate forces in April 1861, signaling the start of The War Between the States. The Confederate submarine, H. L. Hunley sank the USS Housatonic in 1864 and became the first submarine to sink a vessel. A replica of the Hunley is in front of the Charleston Museum. To cover this period in Charleston's history, would consume more time than I could possibly take. If you know of sites pertaining to the War Between the States that are informative and have useful information, please let me know so that I can add links to them.
The Maritime Museum at Patriots Point was opened with the arrival of the aircraft carrier Yorktown in 1975, accompanied by an armada of pleasure and fishing craft.
Charleston County has had many famous residents, including three signers of the United States Constitution: Charles Pinckney (1757-1824), Charles Cotesworth Pinckney (1746-1825), and John Rutledge (1739-1800). Other residents include architect Robert Mills (1781-1855), writers DuBose Heyward (1885-1940) and Archibald Rutledge (1883-1973), slave leader Denmark Vesey (1767-1822), abolitionists Sarah (1792-1873) and Angelina (1805-1879) Grimke, scientist Ernest Everett Just (1883-1941), and civil rights leader Septima Poinsette Clarke (1898-1987).
The city of Charleston was founded and settled by
English colonists in 1670. Located at the juncture of the Ashley
and Cooper rivers, the city occupies 87 square miles. Charleston
grew from a colonial seaport to a wealthy city by the
mid-eighteenth century. In 1742 Charleston boasted a population
of 6,800, ranking it the 4th largest city in America. The city
changed its name from Charlestown to Charleston in 1783 and
incorporated, establishing its first municipal government with an
intendant (major) and wardens (councilmen). The College of
Charleston was chartered by the General Assembly in 1785, making
it the oldest municipal college in the country today. In 1808
Charlestonians built the first bridge over the Ashley River. It
was large enough for two carriages to pass with ease, and even
had a railed path on each side for foot traffic.
The first native-born architect in America, Robert Mills,
designed the first fireproof building in America in 1822. The
building stood at the corner of Chalmers and Meeting Streets. A
native Charlestonian, Mills also designed the First Baptist
Church and the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. In 1823 the
Medical Society of South Carolina established the Medical College
in Charleston.
Charleston was the political, social, and economic center of
South Carolina throughout the colonial and antebellum periods,
and it served as the state capital until 1790 when it moved to
Columbia. Through the mid-nineteenth century, Charleston
prospered from the cultivation of rice, cotton, indigo and its
port activities. In April of 1861, Confederate soldiers fired on
Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, thus signaling the beginning of
The War Between The States. Short on capital through the
mid-twentieth century, Charleston hung on to its vast inventory
of buildings, using and reusing them instead of replacing them
with newer structures. After the war, the City gradually lessened
its dependence on agriculture and rebuilt its economy through
trade and industry.
At 9:51 p.m. on August 31, 1886 the most severe earthquake east
of the Mississippi rocked the city causing approximately 80
deaths and damage estimated at $6 million. Though there was not a
Richter scale at this time, the magnitude of the earthquake has
been estimated at somewhere between 7 and 8. The city sits atop
the Woodstock fault causing 2 to 3 tremors a year, but none equal
to the magnitude of the 1886 earthquake.
Construction of the Navy Yard in 1904, just north of the City's
boundaries, pushed Charleston vigorously into the twentieth
century. During the first few decades of the 1900's, industrial
and port activities increased dramatically. Later the major
sources of capital came from the U.S. Naval Base, the medical
complex which occupies an eight block area in downtown
includes the Medical University of South Carolina, the College of
Charleston and growing tourism.
Concern for the needless destruction of historical buildings
inspired the forming of the Society for Preservation of Old
Dwelling Houses, in 1920, still functioning today as the
Preservation Society. In 1929 the first Cooper River Bridge
opened with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. The Bridge extends
2.7 miles, the fifth longest in the world at this time. To help
defray the $6 million construction cost, a 50 cents per person
toll was charged. The toll lasted until June, 1946. In 1931
Dorothy Legge purchased 99 and 101 East Bay, beginning the
renovation of the area between Tradd and Elliot. Originally these
valuable mid-1700 homes had been the center of commerce;
merchants had stores on the first floor and lived on the floors
above. Neglect over time left these valuable building in a state
of disrepair. The purchase and restoration by Mrs. Legge inspired
others, and today this beautiful array of homes is known as
"Rainbow Row".
In 1931 Charleston adopted the first Historical Zoning Ordinance
in the United States and in 1947 Charlestonians established the
Historic Charleston Foundation to help preserve the city's
architectural heritage. To help raise money for this work, the
Foundation began its "Festival of Houses"; tours of
private homes given each spring from mid-March to mid-April.
Spoleto Festival USA began its first season in 1977 with rave
reviews. Deriving its name from a similar event in Spoleto,
Italy, the festival offers dance, opera, plays, chamber music
concerts, jazz and much more in a city wide celebration during
late May and early June.
In 1991, Charleston opened the gates to its Visitor Reception and
Transportation Center (VRTC) on Meeting Street. It is housed in
an 1856 railroad freight station. The City has salvaged the
rustic feel of the old depot including original beams and pine
floors. In 1990, the City completed the Waterfront Park - an
eight-acre linear park and pier along the Charleston Harbor
entry. The park combines fountains, spacious lawns, intimate
garden "rooms", plenty of walking and jogging paths and
a long wharf with picnic tables and wooden swings.
Drayton Hall
Highway 61, 9 miles northwest of Charleston.
Owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the
State of SC Built 1738. Probably the finest untouched example of
Georgian architecture still standing in the U.S. Open: Mar. -
Nov. 10:00am-4:00pm, Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 10:00am-3:00pm. Daily
tours. Museum shop and picnic facilities. (803) 766-0188.
Middleton Place
Ashley River Rd., (Hwy. 61). 14 miles NW of Charleston.
A National Historic Landmark. Experience the workings of a
Lowcountry plantation. The Middleton Place House interprets the
history of the Middleton family (1741-1865). Original silver,
china, furniture and works of art. 18th century elegance in
America's oldest landscaped gardens. Grand terraces, vast
plantings and the famous Butterfly Lakes. The plantation
stable yard features livestock artifacts and craft exhibits of the
18th and 19th centuries. Restaurant and Museum Shop. (803)
556-6020 or 1-800-782-3608.
The Citadel
Charleston. Follow Ashley Ave to Hampton Park, Moultrie
St. leads to the grounds.
Established in 1842, has an excellent museum of military
artifacts and equipment. (Museum: Su-F 2-5; Sa 12-5. Free.
803-953-5006)
Fort Moultrie
Sullivan's Island
Here in 1776 Col. William Moultrie and his men drove off a
squadron of British warships at the Battle of Sullivan's Island.
171 years of US seacoast defense. Administered by the National
Park Service. (Daily. Spring and summer, 9:00am-6:00pm. Fall and
winter, 9:00am - 5:00pm. Closed December 25. Free. 803-883-3123)
The Hunley
The first submarine to sink an enemy warship, The Housatonic on
February 17, 1864. The Hunley was discovered 4 miles from
Sullivan's Island on May 14, 1995 and recovered on August 8, 2000
and is currently being restored.
Fort Dorchester
SC Highway 1642.
Construction began during French and Indian Wars, circa 1757-60.
Fort Sumter
Boat tours from City Marina and Patriots Point Maritime
Museum.
Possibly the most historic military site in the nation, the first
shots of the War Between the States were fired at Fort Sumter
from Fort Johnson in 1861. The restored national monument is
under the supervision of the National Park Service. (Daily. Fee
for boat tours. 803-883-3123)
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum
North on U.S. 17 out of Charleston
Visit the aircraft carrier Yorktown. It houses exhibits of bomber
and fighter planes on the hangar bay and showcases letters and
mementoes of the crew. Also open for tours are the submarine
Clamagore, the Coast Guard cutter Ingham, the destroyer Laffey, a
re-creation of a Viet Nam naval support base, and the Medal of
Honor Museum. (Daily. Adm. 803-884-2727)
Avery Research Center for African-American History and
Culture
College of Charleston, 125 Bull St
Restored site of Avery School (c. 1865) is now a research center
to document and preserve the history and cultural heritage of
S.C. Lowcountry African-Americans. (Tours M-F, 2-4; research
reading room M-F, 1-4:30. Free. 803-727-2009.)
The Battery and White Point Gardens
East Bay and Murray Blvd.
Pirates were hanged from the gallows here. Now the gardens
provide a lovely view of the harbor and distant Fort Sumter.
Calhoun Mansion
16 Meeting St.
A 24,000-square-foot Victorian Baronial manor house, c. 1876,
features a 75-foot domed ceiling with stairwell. (Th-Su 10-4.
Closed Jan. Adm. 803-722-8205)
Charleston Museum
360 Meeting St.
America's first and oldest museum interprets the story and
natural history of the Lowcountry through artifacts, treasures
and exhibits. For children, the "Discover Me" room.
(M-Sa; Su p.m. Adm. 803-722-2996)
Charles Towne Landing
Off S.C. 171 about 3 mi. N.W. of downtown Charleston
An unusual park located on the site of the first permanent
English settlement in South Carolina. Take a tram ride guided
tour of the original 1670 fortification. Board a replica of a
17th-century trading ketch, explore seven miles of pathways
through beautiful English park gardens, walk through the enclosed
pathways of the animal forest, and view the Settlers' Life Area
where 17th-century herbs and plants are grown. (Daily. Adm.
803-556-4450)
Charleston City Hall
Meeting and Broad Sts.
Built c. 1801, the City Council Chamber contains valuable works
of art including the John Trumbull portrait of George Washington,
dated 1791. (M-F. Free)
The Old City Market
On Market between Meeting and East Bay
Built in 1841, it features small shops, restaurants and a flea
market with everything from produce to antiques. The main
building houses the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum. (Museum
hours and days vary seasonally. Adm. 803-723-1541 before noon)
Dock Street Theatre
135 Church St.
The first building in America designed solely for theatrical use;
opened February 12, 1736. Twice burned and rebuilt. The theatre
is a combination of the reconstruction of an early Georgian
playhouse and the preservation of the Planter's Hotel, c. 1809.
(M-F. Free. Adm. for performances. Box office 803-723-5648 or
803-724-7305)
Edmondston-Alston House
21 East Battery
This Greek Revival mansion, c. 1828, commands a sweeping view of
Charleston Harbor and is a treasure trove of documents,
furniture, silver and china. (Tu-Sa ; Su & M p.m. Adm.
803-722-7171)
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
East Bay at Broad
Built between 1767 and 1771, S.C. delegates to the First
Continental Congress were elected here in 1774. The Provost
Dungeon, under the Exchange Building, was used as a prison by the
British during the Revolution. (Daily. Adm. 803-727-2165)
Gibbes Museum of Art
135 Meeting St.
Outstanding collections of American art and portraits relating to
Southern history. The collection of miniatures is one of the
world's finest. (Tu-Sa; Su & M p.m. Adm. 803-722-2706)
Heyward-Washington House
87 Church St. The home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., signer of the
Declaration of Independence. Built c. 1772, it served as
temporary residence for George Washington in 1791. Original
kitchen building, period formal garden and priceless
Charleston-made furniture. (M-Sa; Su p.m. Adm. 803-722-0354)
Joseph Manigault House
350 Meeting St.
Federal style, c.1803, this home was designed by architect
Gabriel Manigault for his brother, a wealthy Lowcountry rice
planter. (M-Sa; Su p.m. Adm. 803-723-2926)
Old Powder Magazine
79 Cumberland
The oldest public building in the city, c. 1713, it was used
during the Revolution to store munitions. (Call for hours.
803-723-1623. Adm.)
Rainbow Row
83-107 East Bay
Named for 14 private homes which mirror the colors of the
rainbow, this section dates from 1740 and was Charleston's
waterfront district during the 18th century.
Nathaniel Russell House
51 Meeting St.
Completed in 1808 by a wealthy merchant, this unusual house
museum features ornate interior detailing, unique "free
flying" circular staircase and lavish furnishings. (M-Sa; Su
p.m. Adm. 803-724-8481)
Angel Oak
Bohicket and Maybank Roads, Johns Island.
Reputed to be the oldest living thing east of the Mississippi.
(803) 559-3496.
Boone Hall
Highway 17, 8 miles north of Charleston
Dating from 1681, the current mansion is on the site of original
house, features tours of downstairs rooms. Majestic avenue of
oaks, formal gardens and slave cabins. Originally a cotton
plantation. Monday-Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm, Sunday: 1:00-4:00pm.
(803) 884-4371.
Cypress Gardens
24 miles north of Charleston on the Cooper River Azaleas and 162
acres of cypress trees to explore by boat or foot. (803)
553-0515.
Folly Island lies about 10 miles south of Charleston
between Kiawah Island and Morris Island. William Rivers received
a royal grant to the island in 1696 and early in the 18th century
it became a plantation. It witnessed a number of shipwrecks, the
most significant of these being the brig "Amelia" which
crashed on its shores in 1832 with cholera aboard. Many people
died on the island and the city of Charleston desperately sought
to keep the disease out of the city.
After The War Between the States, the island returned to private
hands. In 1918 the Folly Island Company was formed and it began
the development of the island including a causeway which
connected it with James Island and Charleston. For many years the
island served as an escape for residents of Charleston. In 1934
one of the summer residents was George Gershwin who composed part
of "Porgy and Bess" while on the island.
Local government was established in 1936 when the township of
Folly Beach was formed. This continued until 1973 when the
township became a city. World War II marked a turning point for
the island. A large influx of workers into the Charleston area
required cheap housing and the permanent residents of the island
dramatically increased. Bus service was established between Folly
and the naval shipyard in 1942. In the same year the county of
Charleston purchased the toll road which was the only land route
to the island. In 1989 Hurricane Hugo devastated much of the
island causing the loss of about 200 homes with many others
receiving heavy damage. In addition the island was cut in two at
what had already become known as the Washout. Through massive aid
from the federal and state governments as well as payments from
insurance companies the island has mostly recovered.
The Seewee Indians were the first known settlers of the Isle of Palms. The Seewees were said to have greeted English settlers by swimming to the boats and carrying people to shore. The Seewees tried to reach England in canoes, but were decimated by storms at sea. No one lived on the island for many years, but story has it that huge treasures of silver and gold are buried deep in the ocean from pirate days. During the Revolution a force of 2,500 British soldiers were camped on the island on what is now known as front beach. The Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel was lost at sea and was discovered in 1996 off shore. The island did not see direct action from the War Between the States. The island was first named Hunting Island, then Long Island, and in 1899 J. S. Lawrence bought the island and renamed it Isle of Palms. Bridges were built from the mainland and trolley cars made the crossing from Charleston. In 1906, a resort hotel with 50 rooms was opened. In 1912, James Sottile built a spacious pavilion and a huge ferris wheel with cage-like seats. The opening of the Cooper River Bridge in 1929, made the island even more accessible, but it wasn't until 1944 that the island began developing.
Located 21 miles south of historic Charleston on the South Carolina coast, the island was named for the Kiawah Indians who inhabited the Island up to the 1600's. The island was deeded to George Raynor in 1699 by the Lords Proprietors and has changed hands only four times since then. The prominent Vanderhorst family of Charleston kept the Island for 180 years before selling it to C.C. Royal of Aiken in 1950 for hunting and fishing. The Kiawah Island Company Ltd. bought the Island from the Royal family in 1974. Kiawah Resort Associates bought the Island in 1988 and is Kiawah's developer. The island is 10,000 acres, over 10 miles in length and 1.5 miles at the widest point and is bordered by protective sand dunes. The island consists of marshes, lagoons and fresh water estuaries and the Kiawah River, which connects with the Stono River and the Intracoastal Waterway, all together there are 65 ponds or lagoons on the Island. The island has a maritime forest and there are 18 species of mammals including whitetail deer, raccoon, opossum and squirrel, more than 30 species of reptiles and amphibians including alligators and sea turtles that inhabit the island. Kiawah's effort to protect the Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtle received national acclaim in 1981 when the Izaak Walton League honored Kiawah's program with a National Conservation award. Kiawah's environmental protection efforts also include the Kiawah Island Wildlife Committee whose purpose is to enhance and protect Kiawah's wildlife and fish species and to promote education, understanding and enjoyment of the natural environment on Kiawah. There are more than 140 species of birds including the Brown Pelican, Wood Ibis, osprey, duck, sea gulls, terns, herons, hawks and egrets.
This quiet fishing village on the Intracoastal Waterway between Georgetown and Charleston was established years ago as a summer retreat by planters who lived along the Santee River. Visitors today enjoy the quaint atmosphere and fresh seafood.
Hampton Plantation State Park
8 miles north of McClellanville off U.S. 17
The ancestral home, c. 1735, of Archibald Rutledge, Poet Laureate
of South Carolina until his death. The plantation house and
outbuildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
(House open Th-M 1-4, other days by appt. Call 803-546-9361. Adm.
Grounds open Th-M. Free)
Across the Cooper River from Charleston, don't miss the antebellum homes in the original heart of the town, the Old Village, founded in 1680. The many restaurants on both sides of Shem Creek, port for the area's fishing fleet, are famous for their fresh seafood.
Twenty-five miles inland from Charleston, this town was originally populated by Lowcountry citizens who retreated here in the summer to escape malaria. By 1891, its reputation as a health resort grew nationwide. Summerville's lovingly preserved old homes and gardens reflect its reputation as a "Flowertown in the Pines."
Old Dorchester State Park
S.C. 642 about six miles south of Summerville
Congregationalists from Massachusetts settled here overlooking
the Ashley River in 1696, but abandoned the community after the
Revolution. Picnic near the ruins of the 18th century town and
the tabby walls of the old fort. Archaeological relics on
display. (Th-M. Free. 803-873-1740)
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10/17/2007