All visitors to Charleston find themselves down along the battery at some point. A chance to walk along the waterfront, enjoy the breeze and see history in the harbor.
Just over three miles from shore, the famous Fort Sumter stands as a symbol of the past. The very place that ignited the Civil War when Union and Confederate engaged in the first shots on April of 1861.
But visitors to Charleston will also discover the history and charm of the city dates back further into our U.S. history. The history dates back to the U.S. Revolution when Charleston was the most important southern port city.
Available 90-minute bus ride tours, such as the Charm of Charleston, provide knowledgeable tour guides and an entertaining overview of the city. But the true charm of Charleston is best appreciated by taking a long stroll on the city streets. So, pack comfortable walking shoes.
In the heart of the city, the College of Charleston, founded on the eve of the revolution in 1770 provides perhaps some of the most charming walks across its campus. Also, on many of these streets, Hollywood filmed the Patriot, and Mel Gibson’s character was actually based on the local revolutionary hero known as the Charleston native, Swamp Fox.
Continuing to walk along streets, visitors can enjoy the Museum Mile. The local art museum, the Gibbs Museum, provides painted portraits of the man and women who essentially helped to create the United States. Inside, visitors can see General William Moultrie (monument on the battery), General Francis Marion (the Swamp Fox) and Statesman Charles C. Pickney.
Visitors can also enter Saint Michaels. Inside at pew 43, President George Washington attended a service.
Washington, like many of our presidents, didn’t spend all his time in church, especially when he arrived to much fanfare to Charleston in 1791. Most tourists consider the Old Exchange, a must visit and so did George. A building built by the British in the late 1700s today serves a museum. Inside specific historical artifacts tell the story of a birth of a nation, yet most visitors want to take a peak at the grand ballroom, where George Washington danced with the many women of Charleston.
But more interesting for the children, take the dungeon tour and visit Provost just down the stairs. Inside these cells, a place where Pirates and at times American Patriots slept as prisoners, visitors can enjoy an animated 25-minute tour through time.
Charleston holds much of the history of our young nation on the city streets, not to mention its fine southern cuisine and kind autumn climate. And if it wasn’t for the revolution, Charleston might still be named after Charles the King of England. Founded as Charles Town, it changed to present day Charleston in a revolutionary referendum.
Where to Stay:
The revolutionary trail doesn’t end at night. Visitors can stay in places that celebrate the history of our nation. From the centrally located and iconic Marion Hotel with views of the main park or to a bed & breakfast like the John Rutledge House. Here George Washington called on the lady of the house, Mrs. Rutledge for Breakfast.
Flights to Charleston:
Newark flights to Charleston from $238
Dallas flights to Charleston from $309
San Francisco flights to Charleston from $314
Kansas City flights to Charleston from $270
Story and photos by Craig Zabransky. See more of his journeys at stayadventurous.wordpress.com.
