It began here. Not in a forsaken land on the other side of the globe... but right here. Just as the sun rose up to cast its crown of light upon another fresh spring morning, one lone cannonball arched a misty sky to hit its target in Charleston Harbor.
By the time the sun had broken the horizon — its light sparkling like diamonds on the Atlantic — locals had gathered on rooftops near the Battery at the tip of the great antebellum city to watch and cheer their heroes and their independence. For 34 hours, the Confederate troops at Fort Johnson bombarded the federally held Fort Sumter, driving Lincoln’s army from the South’s most precious shipping channel, through which flowed its very lifeblood.
That first cannonball on April 12, 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War, which would end four long years later in a pool of grief greater than any known before or since in America. The death toll reached over 620,000 lives lost in battle or to battlefield disease — more than the total American lives lost in all other wars combined.
The Union was saved. The noble drummer’s call to war had ended with wives and mothers crying tears of gray upon the blood-soaked earth, as undertakers planted the South’s last great hope beneath neat rows of headstones. Charleston lay in ruins, her back broken against a changing tide. But oh no, it did not break her spirit. From the rubble came another great uprising, a transformation from what she was... to what she is today. Read more in Exploring Our Past.
Upon the hallowed grounds of a failed Confederacy grew a new South, with Charleston at its heart. Today the streets of this gracious city reflect both a bygone era and a modern, thriving community. Where cannon once rang out across the harbor, a sea of sailboats now drift across still blue water, silently proclaiming a lifestyle that is next to none. The place where Red Coats once marched to lay siege to the city now serves as the backdrop to hail in Spoleto Festival U.S.A.
Touted as the largest festival of its kind in the nation, Spoleto hosts dance, music, theater, and visual arts events that explode all over the city to rave reviews from visitors from all over the world. Spoleto is just one of the many festivals and events that attracts people from all walks of life to the city annually.
Visitors also come to shop in the city’s unique Antiques District and browse the many fine art galleries. And before leaving, they are lured into sampling the extraordinary cuisine, a fare that rivals that of New Orleans but is served up "Lowcountry style."
As always, the Port of Charleston defines the city’s prosperity. Where rice and cotton once reigned in exports, the port now stands as a gateway to commerce for the entire Southeast.
Singularly the most historic city in America, Charleston continues to leave her mark on American life. From the raising of the Submarine H. L. Hunley to life-saving research being conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston still grabs history-making headlines.
Exploring Charleston is indeed a journey of a thousand delights. There are many mysteries to unearth in the graveyards, secrets to uncover in the hidden gardens, and ghosts with sordid tales of lost love and betrayal just waiting for an interested ear. To partake of her riches — her history, her beauty, her charm — is to fall under her spell. She whispers gently to those passing through: "Come back, come back." Many do come back... to stay.
Learn about how you can own a piece of history or invest in waterfront and vacation property in Charleston and the Lowcountry. Read our Real Estate section.
Luxury real estate sales on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw and the surrounding Charleston area. A leader in luxury real estate sales and vacation rentals for almost three decades. Seasonal vacation rentals or year-round luxury properties for South Carolina coastal living. Highly personalized service, a true commitment to patient, comprehensive representation is our priority.
Bringing some of the finest artists in their fields together under one roof, the Martin Gallery is a soaring space filled with the exquisite color and texture of oils, acrylics, bronzes, marbles, terra-cottas and richly hued glass. The eclectic art is representative of more than thirty nationally and internationally renowned artists. Located at 18 Broad Street on the corner of State Street in the Grand Salon of the historic People’s Building.
A refined French café and bar offering the best in classic Brasserie cuisine. Culinary team creations pay homage to classic brasserie cuisine that inspired vehemently loyal Parisians. Indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails and a predominantly French wine list blended with a selection of our steward's favorites. Open late. Upstairs offers catering for your meeting or party. Don't miss 39 Rue de Jean Sunday Brunch.
It began here. Not in a forsaken land on the other side of the globe... but right here. Just as the sun rose up to cast its crown of light upon another fresh spring morning, one lone cannonball arched a misty sky to hit its target in Charleston Harbor.
That first cannonball on April 12, 1861 marked the beginning of the Civil War, which would end four long years later in a pool of grief greater than any known before or since in America. The death toll reached over 620,000 lives lost in battle or to battlefield disease — more than the total American lives lost in all other wars combined.
Upon the hallowed grounds of a failed Confederacy grew a new South, with Charleston at its heart. Today the streets of this gracious city reflect both a bygone era and a modern, thriving community. Where cannon once rang out across the harbor, a sea of sailboats now drift across still blue water, silently proclaiming a lifestyle that is next to none. The place where Red Coats once marched to lay siege to the city now serves as the backdrop to hail in 
As always, the Port of Charleston defines the city’s prosperity. Where rice and cotton once reigned in exports, the port now stands as a gateway to commerce for the entire Southeast.
Luxury real estate sales on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw and the surrounding Charleston area. A leader in luxury real estate sales and vacation rentals for almost three decades. Seasonal vacation rentals or year-round luxury properties for South Carolina coastal living. Highly personalized service, a true commitment to patient, comprehensive representation is our priority.
Bringing some of the finest artists in their fields together under one roof, the Martin Gallery is a soaring space filled with the exquisite color and texture of oils, acrylics, bronzes, marbles, terra-cottas and richly hued glass. The eclectic art is representative of more than thirty nationally and internationally renowned artists. Located at 18 Broad Street on the corner of State Street in the Grand Salon of the historic People’s Building. 
A refined French café and bar offering the best in classic Brasserie cuisine. Culinary team creations pay homage to classic brasserie cuisine that inspired vehemently loyal Parisians. Indoor/outdoor patio seating, cocktails and a predominantly French wine list blended with a selection of our steward's favorites. Open late. Upstairs offers catering for your meeting or party. Don't miss 39 Rue de Jean Sunday Brunch.
