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 on 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: