Charleston South Carolina - a city of history, a museum under open air Here, every street and house is imbued with a long history, unique architecture that gives Charleston a special touch of charm and a bit of European character.

The city is located on the Atlantic coast in South Carolina between the Cooper and Ashley rivers. All Americans should visit this city to study the history of the country first-hand, so to speak.

Story

The city was founded by English colonists in 1670, and named after King Charles II - Charles Towne, later renamed Charleston, which grew from a colonial port into a wealthy city by the mid-eighteenth century. In the mid-nineteenth century, Charleston's economy flourished due to its busy seaport as well as numerous rice, cotton, and coffee plantations.

In April 1861, Fort Sumter near Charleston was fired upon by soldiers, signaling the start of the bloodiest Civil War in history. Charleston was very slow to recover from the destruction of the war, but it became one of the city's main goals due to the huge list of historically significant buildings, so Charleston was forced to restore damaged buildings instead of replacing them.

After the war, the city became less and less dependent on the agricultural industry, and gradually rebuilt its economy towards trade and industry. During the first decades of the 1900s, Charleston's industrial and port activities boomed, and later tourism, a naval base, and the medical industry became the main sources of capital. Today, approximately 4,510,000 people visit Charleston annually.

Walk through the historical center or cart tour.

Every square meter Is Charleston literally steeped in history? so would I recommend taking a tour? if this is var first visit. After all, you will agree that it is more interesting with a guide. He will show you the most interesting places in downtown Charleston and will tell many educational stories. There are both walking and horseback tours. Should you choose? which one is closer to your liking. The cart tour lasts about 40 minutes and costs $22 (be sure to ask for a coupon at the hotel where you are staying and they will give you a $2 discount). As a last resort, go to Wikipedia and print out about the city, it will be more interesting to walk along the ancient streets.

Ghost Tour.

Yes, yes, he is the ghost tour. The fact is that Charleston turns into a ghost town at night. Many residents often encounter unexplained phenomena and often see the silhouettes of ghosts. In one of the hotels there is room 203, where the ghost of a girl lives. Believe it or not, this room is booked six months in advance. And the story here is this: The wife of one plantation owner fell in love with the seas and they secretly met at the hotel, in room 203. One day, when a sailor arrived from another business trip, the girl saw him in the arms of another and could not control her feelings and threw herself out of the window of that very room 203. Her ghost still haunts this hotel. Many guests of room 203 noticed that someone was rummaging through their personal belongings, especially women’s belongings. One woman who stayed in that famous room at Christmas couldn't find her underwear and went down to the reception to complain that someone had stolen her things. Imagine the surprise of the hotel workers and the guest herself that her bra was hanging on Rozhdestvenskaya Street in the hotel lobby! Believe all this or not - it's up to you! The so-called Gost tours take place every evening and begin at 10 pm near the central Charleston market. It all depends on the guide you get and what stories he tells you. We were given special ghost detectors, some even signaled about ghosts.

Plantations.

There are several plantations in Charleston:

Magnolia Plantation & Its Gardens(Magnolia plantation and its gardens).

Open 365 days a year from 8am to 5:30pm, please check opening hours if visiting between November and February. This is a 17th century plantation that was purchased by Sambea Drayton in 1676. Here are the old gardens of America (c.1680), which bloom all year round, a house built before the revolution, a biblical garden, huts for slaves, as well as magnificent nature. Cost $15, house tours, boat tour available at additional cost. Official website: http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/

Boone Hall Plantation(Boone Hall Plantation).

Belongs to the “You must visit here” category. Boone Hall reflects the history of the southern United States over the past 300 years and is a working plantation on which a large number of vegetables and fruits are grown. Here is one of the longest oak alleys in the world, magnificent flower gardens, an old mansion, as well as a hut in which slaves lived.

Wonderful oak alley:

During the tourist season, there are live performances and bus tours of the plantation.

Boone Hall Plantation Performance:

Cost $20. The plantation is closed in winter. Official website: http://www.boonehallplantation.com/

Middleton Place(Middleton).

All the charm of America's old gardens is on display here, along with the house museum's collection. Daily activities focus on agriculture 18th-19th centuries, gardening, African-American history. The plantation is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Closed during the winter season from January 21 to February 12. Cost $28. Official website: https://www.middletonplace.org/

Drayton Hall(Drayton Hall).

The oldest unrestored manor house in America, still open to the public. The visit includes a tour of the house, an African-American cemetery, nature walks, and a gift shop. Cost $20. Official website: http://www.draytonhall.org/

Charleston Tea Plantation

Visit the Tea Plantation for fun and broadening your horizons at the same time. Here you will see how the second most popular drink in the world is grown and produced! Breathtaking views of tea plantations as well as tasting of various tea varieties. Official website: http://www.charlestonteaplantation.com/

Firefly Distillery(Firefly Distillery).

South Carolina's first and largest distillery. The famous sweet tea vodka “Firefly” is produced here. Open for visits and tastings Tue.-Sat. 11am to 5pm, closed in January. Official website: http://fireflyvodka.com

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist) is the main church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston. The first cathedral, built of brownstone in 1854, was named after St John and St Finbar, but was destroyed by a great fire in December 1861. After reconstruction, the church was renamed the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and built on the foundation of the previous cathedral. The building seats 720 people and is known for its grandiose hand-painted stained glass windows and its neo-Gothic architecture.

Old City Market (City Market, or Central Market) is a historic market complex in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in the 1790s, the market stretches along four city blocks from Meeting Street to East Bay Street. Throughout the 19th century, the market provided comfortable spot for farmers and plantation owners to sell beef and agricultural products, and also acted as a meeting and socializing place for local residents. Today, the city market sells souvenirs and other items, ranging from jewelry to wicker baskets.

South Carolina Aquarium (South Carolina Aquarium) is located in the city of Charleston, South Carolina, opened on May 19, 2000 in the historic part of Charleston Harbor. The aquarium is home to more than ten thousand plants and animals, including North American river otters, sea turtles, alligators, blue herons, hawks, owls, green moray eels, king crabs, starfish, pythons and sharks. The largest exhibit in the aquarium is the Great Ocean Wall, which stretches from the first to the third floor of the aquarium, and contains 1,460,000 liters of water, home to more than three hundred fish. Official website: http://www.scaquarium.org

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge The Cooper Bridge is a cable-stayed (suspension) bridge over the Cooper River in South Carolina, connecting downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant. The eight-lane bridge opened in 2005 and replaced two aging cantilever truss bridges. The bridge has a main span of 471 m, and is the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

Fort Sumter (Fort Sumter) a sea fort located in Charleston South Carolina. The fort is a famous site in Civil War history, where the first shots were fired on April 12, 1861. In 1966, the fort was included in the US National Register of Historic Places.

Since the city has a rich and eventful history, it is full of museums. Among them there are both the oldest museum in the USA and quite new ones.

Fort Sumter

This fort is one of Charleston's top historical attractions. It is famous for the fact that it was here that the civil war between North and South began in 1861. You can only get here by sea. For example, from Liberty square there is a ferry to the fort 2-3 times a day (depending on the season). You can also access the fort from the neighboring town of Mount Pleasant. Water buses run (again, depending on the season) from 1 to 3 times a day. The cost of such a tour is about 20 USD.

Moultrie

Another famous fort is located on the opposite side of the bay from Fort Sumter. It is, as I have already said, reached by land through Mount Pleasant to Sullivan's Island.

The Charleston Museum

This museum is located in the heart of Charleston. It is, in fact, a local history exhibition: the exhibition tells about the history of the city, how its appearance changed and its population grew. The museum consists of three parts:

1. The Charleston Museum;
2. The Heyward-Washington House;
3. The Joseph Manigault House.

You can buy a ticket in one (for 12 USD) or two (for 18) parts, or a complex ticket for 25 USD. There are significant discounts for children and teenagers. You can buy a ticket either on site or online. The main museum building is located at 360 Meeting Street - directly opposite the visitor center. Opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:00.

Confederate Museum

Here you can learn about the path of the southern states, their development and influence in the United States. The museum is small and very budget-friendly: entrance for adults costs only 5 USD. Open all year round, all week except Sunday. Located on the same street at 188, Meeting Street (on the corner with Market street). You can find out more detailed information on the official website.

Mace Brown Museum of Natural History

This museum was created specifically for natural history lovers. Having received a free ticket, you can get acquainted with the ancient inhabitants of these places. The museum is located at the local college, at 202 Calhoun Street. Opening hours - from 11:00 to 16:00 (every day except Wednesday). The full schedule and additional information can be found here.

Other interesting places

And a few more words so you don't think that Charleston has nothing more to offer you. When you go to Sullivan Island, or Palm Island, or maybe Fort Moultrie, or Boonehole Plantation, you will definitely use the bridge The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. If, like us, you have traveled along the entire east coast of the United States, then it is unlikely to surprise you (although the bridge is quite nice).

But I liked the fact that it offers a view of the bay. And there’s a real one lying around nearby aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN (CV-10). The most luxurious thing is that this former warship is today open to everyone. For adults, a visit will cost 22 USD, and for children - 14 USD. detailed information on the official site.

Charleston is a city in the southeastern part of South Carolina, USA. administrative center district of the same name. Located on a peninsula between the mouths of the Ashley and Cooper rivers (the southern branch of the Santee River), near a deep-water bay, very convenient for mooring ships. A major port on the Atlantic coast. Population 107,844 inhabitants (2006).

Charleston is the first English settlement in South Carolina. It was founded in 1670 under the name Charles Towne (“the city of Charles”) - in honor of King Charles II. In 1680, Charleston was moved to its present location and began to grow rich in the rice and indigo trade. In 1722-83 its official name was Charles City and Port. Until 1775, it was the residence of the governor of South Carolina, and until 1790 it served as the capital of the corresponding state.

During the first half of the 19th century, Charleston was one of the most prosperous cities in the southern states, the most important cotton port. In December 1860, the residents of Charleston declared the secession of South Carolina from the United States. The capture of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor began the American Civil War (the fort is now declared a national monument). From July 10, 1863 to February 18, 1865, the city was under siege.

Having lost its importance as a cotton port, Charleston faced an economic downturn. In the 20th century, the mainstay of the local economy was the US Navy base, which was expanded during both world wars. The closure of a number of defense enterprises in 1993 was a serious blow to the city.

The city enjoys a humid subtropical climate (Cfa according to Köppen classification) with mild winters and hot, humid summers. There is a large amount of rainfall throughout the year. The maximum air temperature was recorded on June 2, 1985 at 40 °C (104 °F), the minimum on January 21, 1985 at 12 °C (10 °F). Hurricanes are a major threat to the area during the summer and early fall; in September 1989, three-quarters of buildings were damaged by Hurricane Hugo; the total amount of damage approached $3 billion.

The city is known for its ancient houses and churches from the colonial period, picturesque streets and courtyards, and gardens. Several planter estates are open to the public as museums. Among educational institutions- community college (1770, the first in the USA), medical University(1824) and a military school (1842). The Charleston Museum (1773) is the oldest museum in the United States.

Charleston is a city located on the east coast of the United States. It is the second most populous city in the state of South Carolina. As of 2013, the population within the city limits is estimated at 128 thousand people. Today, this tranquil but historical port city is a popular cultural destination and has a good reputation nationally.

Distances from Charleston to:

• Charlotte - 280 km
• Atlanta - 430 km
• Jacksonville - 320 km
• Miami - 780 km
• Washington - 730 km

Located next to a deep-water bay convenient for ships, Charleston, together with other towns in the region, forms an urban agglomeration with a population of more than 660 thousand people. The largest of the neighboring cities is North Charleston with a population of 97 thousand residents. Charleston and its neighbor to the north are too different to be considered a single city. If Charleston has an air of elitism, then North Charleston is decidedly a blue-collar, blue-collar working-class town.

Charleston was founded by the English in 1670 and has the charm of an old Southern town with many old houses, neighborhoods and historic sites. After more than three centuries, Charleston is still one of the largest ports on the East Coast, but its economy today is based on tourism. Around 4 million people come here every year to sightsee and enjoy the city's cultural and culinary delights.

View of Charleston from above. Arthur Ravenel Bridge in the background

North Charleston became a city in 1972, bringing together several suburbs. In the past it was a military town, today it is largely industrial. The naval base was closed nearly 20 years ago and many other military installations have been significantly reduced. The city's economy has recovered last years, its basis is manufacturing and maritime transportation. Also in North Charleston is the Boeing Dreamliner plant, where the Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger aircraft are assembled. However, many of the region's iconic places and attractions are located in North Charleston, including the naval base and Charleston International Airport.

The central (historical) part of Charleston is located on a peninsula formed by the Ashley and Cooper rivers, which flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Numerous nearby islands protect the city from the open ocean. The Port of Charleston is one of the largest in the United States. It consists of 5 terminals, 2 of which are in Charleston, another 2 in North Charleston. The port, along with tourism, are Charleston's most important sources of income. Information technology and education are also developed.

Broad Street

The city was originally named Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England. By the mid-18th century, Charleston had become a bustling commercial center and the largest city south of Philadelphia. However, after the American Civil War of 1861-1865, there was a noticeable decline in the development of the city. Perhaps this is what influenced the fact that the cityscape is very low; in Charleston there is no multi-storey buildings. But the city has preserved entire historical quarters with picturesque streets and houses. A real treasure for the city are buildings and mansions of early colonial, Victorian, neo-Greek, classical federal and other architectural styles. The city's skyline is punctuated by numerous church spiers that stand out against the low-rise skyline.

Charleston attractions:

• Fort Sumter - Fort Sumter was designed to protect the entrance to the harbor. It was here in 1861 that military events took place that led to the outbreak of the Civil War between North and South;
• The Battery is a promenade lined with houses and mansions, some of which were built in the 17th century. The Battery Embankment and White Point Gardens are popular places for walking;
• French Quarter - “French Quarter” with many notable buildings, churches, art galleries. Nearby is a small but pleasant Waterfront Park;
• Charleston Museum - city historical museum;
• Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum - a naval museum that includes the aircraft carrier Yorktown, the submarine Clagamore and several other ships;
• The Market is an old shopping area;
• South Carolina Aquarium is a South Carolina aquarium.
• Arthur Ravenel Bridge is a suspension bridge over the Cooper River.

Not far from the city there are ancient plantations with well-kept gardens surrounding them. Don't forget about the ocean beaches, which are located in large numbers in the coastal parts of the region.

Various photos of Charleston

Racial composition of the population for 2013:

• white - 70.2%
• African Americans - 23.7%
• Hispanics of any race - 2.9%
• mixed races - 1.7%
• Asians - 1.3%

Socioeconomic indicators in Charleston for 2013:

• average income per person - $34983
• average home price - $241,500
• The average cost of renting a home is $970
• population living below the poverty line - 16.0%
• unemployment (as of June 2014) - 4.7%
• cost of living index - 94.7 (comparable to the US average).

Facts about Charleston

In 1718, the famous pirate Blackbeard blockaded Charleston. Within a few days, he captured 9 ships trying to leave the bay. The naval blockade caused panic among the residents of Charleston, but fortunately for them, Blackbeard received the ransom, released the hostages and left local waters.

The climate in Charleston is subtropical oceanic. The weather is sunny for 230 days a year. Spring is the most pleasant time of the year, when flowers bloom in abundance and average temperatures range from 14 to 22 C. Summers in Charleston are hot with high rainfall, the average daily temperature in July is 28.2 C. 40% of annual precipitation falls in the summer, but more often All these are refreshing short showers. In summer and autumn, the city may be at risk from hurricanes. Autumn is also usually pleasant, with an average daily temperature of 14 C in November. Winter is short and very mild, with an average daily temperature of 9.9 C in January. Snow rarely falls. Daytime temperatures in winter typically range from 8 to 12 C, with temperatures below 6 C occurring infrequently. The first “cold weather” usually occurs in mid-December, the last in mid-February.

Charleston is the perfect weekend destination. Not only are there historical buildings to admire endlessly and cobbled streets you can stroll along for days, there is also excellent cuisine and plenty of interesting entertainment. In 2016, Charleston was recognized the best city in the world, beating cities such as Florence, Barcelona and Cape Town. It's time to find out what Charleston has to offer visitors. Why is it so attractive and why was it able to bypass the leading European tourist destinations?

What is this city?

Charleston is a port city on the coast of South Carolina. Its population is about 133 thousand people as of 2015.
It was named the best city in the world in 2016 and is visited by approximately 4.3 million tourists every year.
To get to Charleston, you'll have to fly two and a half hours from New York. Round-trip flights cost you $240 during the busiest season, April to June, and $200 during the less busy season, September to October. These months are considered the best to visit this city.
Charleston is probably best known for its historical beauty.

Historical value

It was founded in 1670 by English colonists and got its name in honor of King Charles II of England. TO XVIII century Charleston became one of the key colonial ports in the South, producing rice, cotton, and indigo for sale.
Historical architecture dates back to the years before Civil War. According to the tourist report, after the war the city did not have much money, so it was necessary not to rebuild, but to restore damaged buildings. Thus, many of the buildings remain original. Today, most tourists are attracted to the historical district of the city, where you can find a large number of bars, restaurants and shops.
Tourists can take a horse-drawn carriage ride to see as many of the incredible preserved old houses as possible.
King Street, the main shopping street, is the busiest in the French Quarter. Here you will find both fashion boutiques and more affordable chain stores. However, the courtyard streets give the city the greatest charm.
On the coast are the most luxury houses with sea views. A walk along the boardwalk will take you to The Battery, a park and war memorial located at the very tip of Charleston's peninsula.
From there, you can see the Fort Sumter memorial, where the first shots were fired in 1861 to start the Civil War.

Culinary appeal

Charleston has also become a haven for food lovers. One of the city's most popular restaurants, FIG, has been named one of the most... best restaurants America in 2016. Its chef, Mike Lata, was also nominated for Best Chef in the Country that same year.
Naturally, there are quite a few not so loud establishments here. For example, you can head to 167 Raw, a restaurant that was named one of the best places to eat this spring.
There you can enjoy an extensive seafood menu and an oyster bar. You can stay inside or go outside to eat in the mini-garden.
Around the corner from this restaurant is the Zero George Street Hotel, which has its own restaurant. It's difficult to reserve a table here, but if you don't manage to do so in advance, don't despair as you'll still be able to get a drink soft drink and enjoy snacks on the veranda.
The northern part of the city has also attracted the attention of food lovers. King Street is home to a wealth of unique establishments, creative cocktail bars, amazing restaurants and new hotels.
Further north you'll find a popular spot that everyone goes to for breakfast - Hominy Grill. Headed by award-winning chef Robert Stehling, you can enjoy classic Southern dishes like breaded shrimp, fried chicken and cream catfish.

Nearby beaches

Another advantage of Charleston is its proximity to the sea. You can choose from many beaches available, but the best is Sullivan's Island, located twenty minutes from Charleston.
There you can see impressive private houses right on the seafront.

Visit to plantations

And finally, visit one of the plantations that played a very important role in the history of Charleston. In 1860, South Carolina had as many slaves as Georgia and Virginia, but South Carolina was half the size.
Head to Magnolia Plantation, which was founded in 1676 and was dedicated to rice farming. It is now the oldest public garden in the United States.
If you're planning to visit Charleston, try to avoid the wet season, which runs from July to August. It is better to plan your visit in spring or autumn.

Today's city of Charleston is one of the largest tourist centers on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Suffice it to say that about four million tourists come here every year to vacation. This is facilitated not only by a certain touch of elitism, but also by the high reputation of the city on a national scale. A calm city living a measured life provides great opportunities for cultural recreation and acquaintance with the history of the continent. Which is not always possible in such large port cities as Charleston is.

In 1670 on the spot modern city The first port founded by the British appeared in South Carolina. Convenient geographical position with a cozy and protected deep-water bay for ships to enter. At first, Charleston was surrounded by a wall, the buildings of which preserved two historical fortresses that played an important role in American history.

Experts note the similarity of the city’s culture with that of New Orleans. Both represent an example of the mutual enrichment of cultures as a result of interpenetration and mixing. In Charleston, South American influences collided with French and West African traditions. Therefore, elegant colonial-style mansions in the historical center of the city coexist with stately houses with Spanish charm. Red and White Huguenot Church – clear example French influence. The Charleston Museum is also located here. It is known as the very first museum created on the American continent.

Even in the summer heat, you can find coolness and charm in any of Charleston's many parks and squares. Be sure to visit the Gibbs Museum of Art. One day is not enough to see the ten thousand works of art on display. Walking along the streets of the city, you will literally encounter historical sights and museums at every step. The pastel colors of the historical buildings on the Rainbow Row embankment literally fascinate tourists. Boone Hall, Drayton Hall, and Middleton Place offer glimpses of southern plantation life.

In the business district of the city center, among modern offices and carefully protected historical monuments, a special place is occupied by the Church of St. Michael, the town hall, and the old buildings of the exchange and customs. It was in the premises of the latter that the historic ratification of the American Constitution of 1788 took place.

Should know

• Some of the buildings look destroyed, but these are only the consequences of the strong earthquake of 1886. The buildings are not subject to deep restoration, but their condition is constantly monitored.

When to visit

The best time to explore the city and at the same time relax on the ocean beaches is from March to December.

Do not miss!

• Where the Cooper and Ashley Rivers meet is Batter Park. White Point Gardens is a huge area with oak forests. There are cannons and statues here, reminiscent of the city's glorious history.
• Charlestown Landing, which allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of yesteryear. It was here in 1670 that colonists from England founded the first European settlement.
• The French Quarter of the city, which will leave behind an unforgettable impression.
• The Medal of Honor Museum is located aboard the USS Yorktown.
• Charleston's tea plantation is the only one in America.