At first sight, she is stunning...even awe-inspiring. Her jumble of architectural wonders line the streets, the façade of a bygone era reaching into the present to remind us of a long journey through history and Charleston's prominent role in it.
Charleston is the culmination of a multitude of influences, the blending of English, Scottish, and Irish; of French, Spanish, Dutch and German; and of African, Caribbean and American Indian. She tells a history that is Southern in detail, but American in breadth.
Often called the most historic city in America, Charles Towne was founded in 1670 along the banks of the Ashley River as the first European settlement in the Carolinas. Ten years later, the community relocated to its current place on the peninsula overlooking the harbor. By the early 1700s, Charlestown was the wealthiest city in Colonial America, largely due to its shipping trade.
Even as the city continued to thrive well into the 18th century, seeds of discontent were being sown throughout the English Colonies over the oppressive taxes placed on colonists by their ruler, the King of England. The question of whether or not to remain loyal to their King split families apart. The city, torn between its past allegiance and an uncertain future, eventually faced a siege of Redcoats at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island, and won the first major victory of the American Revolution. The die was cast. Although Charleston would be occupied by British troops for much of the Revolutionary War era, the city's crucial role in the birth of a new nation had been etched in stone.
Nearly 100 years passed before another devastating war would define Charleston's most notable place in history. On April 12, 1861, locals gathered on rooftops near the Battery at the tip of the great antebellum city to watch and cheer their heroes in the first battle of the "War Between the States." For 34 hours, the Confederate troops at Fort Johnson bombarded the federally-held Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, driving Lincoln's army from the South's most precious shipping channel. But the tide would turn all too quickly...the joy of victory replaced by despair. The Civil War would end four long years later in a pool of grief greater than any known before or since in American history. 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, from the Revolutionary War through the War on Terror.
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 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 drifts across still blue water, silently proclaiming a quality of life that is next to none in the nation. The street where Redcoats once marched to lay siege to the city now serves as the backdrop to welcome Spoleto Festival USA.
Touted as the largest festival of its kind in the nation, Spoleto is just one of the many festivals and events that attract 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.
Charleston continues to leave her mark on the annals of American history. 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.
Discovering Charleston, with all her passions and proclivities, is indeed a journey through history. There are many lessons to learn here. Better yet, there are mysteries to unearth in the graveyards, secrets to uncover in the hidden gardens, and ghosts with sordid tales of love and betrayal just waiting for an interested ear.
Let your journey into history begin. You are invited to discover a Charleston all your own.
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.
At first sight, she is stunning...even awe-inspiring. Her jumble of architectural wonders line the streets, the façade of a bygone era reaching into the present to remind us of a long journey through history and Charleston's prominent role in it.
Even as the city continued to thrive well into the 18th century, seeds of discontent were being sown throughout the English Colonies over the oppressive taxes placed on colonists by their ruler, the King of England. The question of whether or not to remain loyal to their King split families apart. The city, torn between its past allegiance and an uncertain future, eventually faced a siege of Redcoats at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island, and won the first major victory of the American Revolution. The die was cast. Although Charleston would be occupied by British troops for much of the Revolutionary War era, the city's crucial role in the birth of a new nation had been etched in stone.
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 drifts across still blue water, silently proclaiming a quality of life that is next to none in the nation. The street where Redcoats once marched to lay siege to the city now serves as the backdrop to welcome 
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.
