Charleston
Charleston is the quintessence of a “southern”
city. It offers big city excitement, but on the other hand
boasts loads of history and numerous spots perfect for relaxation.
King Charles II had originally granted the Carolina territory
to eight of his loyal friends in 1663. These friends were
known as the Lords Proprietors, and one of them had a vision.
Anthony Ashley-Cooper saw potential for the city to become
a “great port towne,” and that it did. The city
was named “Charles Towne” after King Charles I,
and by the late 1600’s the population was growing.
Settlers came from England, Barbados and Virginia to become
part of the rapidly growing trade that Charleston had to offer.
However, the vulnerable location of their new homes brought
attacks from the Spanish and French. The port town was an
accessible target from the Atlantic Ocean to those who were
disagreeable to England’s reign of the land, not to
mention pirates and the American Indians. The Charleston colonists
built a wall to help their defensive efforts; the only building
to remain today from this small settlement’s Walled
City is the Powder Magazine, where the city’s supply
of gun powder was stored.
By the mid-18th Century, Charleston had become the most affluent
and largest city in the south. The surrounding plantations
were successful in growing rice and indigo, while inside the
city the shipping industry was booming. The cultural and social
interests grew with the wealth. Theatres were built and ethnic
social groups were formed such as German Friendly Society,
South Carolina Society and Hibernian Society. The first college
in South Carolina was also established, College of Charleston.
Slaves were the primary workers within the city and on the
surrounding cotton plantations, which had become South Carolina’s
top export. The slaves were brought in through the port of
Charleston, and sold at the market in the middle of town –
in fact, one third of the nation’s slaves were brought
in through Charleston. The city had a large free black population
as well. The black Charlestonians formed their own culture,
and many of them spoke Gullah. Gullah is a language which
combines African, Portuguese, and English.
South Carolina was the first state to vote for secession from
the Union. The largely Democratic state was unhappy with Abraham
Lincoln’s views on slavery and other issues. The first
battle of the Civil War was fought in Fort Sumter, located
in the harbor of Charleston.
With the combination of War, fires,
hurricanes, tornados and a major earthquake
in 1886, many of Charleston’s historical
buildings were either damaged or demolished.
Despite all of this, however, Charleston
remains one of the most complete historic
districts in the United States, with
over 1400 historical buildings standing
today.
Today, Charleston is known worldwide for its outstanding Historic
District, fabulous art galleries, great shopping, dining and
accommodation. The city is considered by many to be a living
museum with many wonderful things to do and see. It lies just
a 2-hour drive north of Hilton Head Island.
Top Ten Things to Do in Charleston:
- The Citadel Archives & Museum, in Historic
Downtown
- Lowcountry Ghost Walk, Daniel Island 1-800-729-3420
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, tours@magnoliaplantation.com
– 1-843-571-1266
- South Carolina Aquarium. 800 722 6455
- Classic Carriage Tours, 843-853-3747
- The Historic Homes Walk, 800-729-3420
- Charleston River Dogs, 843-723-7241
- SpiritLine Dinner Cruise, 843-722-2628
- Nathaniel Russell House, 843-723-1623
- Gullah Tours, 843-763-7551. info@gullahtours.com
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