Charleston, SC, is a city steeped in history. Founded in 1670, it received its charter in 1783, making it one of the oldest cities in the south. Tourists come from across the country to visit Johns Island, Downtown Charleston, and other areas. Whether you live in the city, plan to move soon, or want to come for vacation, discover the ultimate things to see and do in Charleston.
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Discover Charleston’s Historic Highlights
Seeing the historic highlights might make you look up historic homes for sale in Charleston, SC, and look for your dream home. One of those highlights is the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. In 1670, English settlers landed here after their journey across the ocean. Explore the on-site zoo that covers more than 20 acres, or use the self-guided walking tour to walk in the steps of the original settlers.
You can get up close and personal with a former military aircraft carrier, the USS Yorktown, and other historic ships at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. The USS Yorktown was in service during the Vietnam conflict and is now open to the public.
Many enslaved people passed through Charleston on their way to Southern plantations. To learn more, visit the Old Slave Mart Museum. It sits inside the same market where many enslaved people were brought. Discover more about their experiences as you wander through the historic building.
On a lighter note, fans of classic Southern sweet tea won’t want to miss the Charleston Tea Garden. South Carolina claims that Dr. Charles Shepard invented the drink in the early 1800s when he grew the leaves on the grounds of his plantation. The Charleston Tea Garden still cultivates some of those plants today. It also has a large shop where you can pick up some souvenirs.
Explore the Charming French Quarter
You don’t need to go to Louisiana to explore a historic French Quarter because Charleston boasts one, too. It’s home to the Charleston City Market, which opened in the 1790s after the Beef Market burned down. The market holds special events and has a variety of shops that sell local goods.
Another historic landmark here is the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. It opened in 1771 and served as a military outpost, post office, and business exchange before becoming a museum. It takes just 25 minutes to complete the tour of the dungeon, though you may want to explore other areas of the building.
The French Quarter has many other buildings that date back to the 19th century and earlier. Consider stopping by the Farmers and Exchange Bank, which opened in 1854, or the South Carolina National Bank of Charleston, which opened in the 1810s. Other historic sites nearby include the Dock Street Theatre and the Powder Magazine, the oldest building in the city.
Sail Across Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter
If you only have time to see one historical site in Charleston, make it Fort Sumter. Located in the Charleston Harbor, it dates back to the 1700s. A group of locals built a fort called Fort Moultrie from palmetto logs. After tearing it down, locals built a new fort called Fort Sumter. Many now know it as the starting point of the Civil War.
The only way to reach Fort Sumter today is via ferry. Pick up a ferry from the Visitor Center or the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Ferries depart on a regular schedule from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except for major holidays. Fort Sumter is now a National Historical Park with many things to do beyond touring the fort.
Stroll Through America’s “Firsts”
The best place to discover Charleston’s history might be The Charleston Museum. Recognized as the first museum in the country, it opened in 1773 and slowly grew its collection over the years. It’s home to the Costume Collection, which includes clothing and costumes from across South Carolina and nearby areas.
If you’re a fan of even older history, the museum has an Archaeology Collection with specimens found around Charleston. Some of these pieces date back to before the first settlers arrived. The Charleston Museum’s Photograph Album Collection features one of the world’s biggest groups of older photos. While some of the albums show the history of local families, others let you see some of the most significant events in the city’s history through the eyes of those who lived through them.
This is far from Charleston’s only museum you’ll find while looking at Johns Island real estate. The Hunley was a submarine that achieved some fame before it went missing in 1864. Once it was later discovered, the Friends of the Hunley turned it into a tourist attraction. The group hosts weekend tours of the sub.
You might also enjoy a trip to the South Carolina Historical Society. It has an on-site museum with artifacts dating back to the city’s early days. Admission is free for South Carolina teachers and kids five and under, but all other visitors pay just one dollar. Some of the artifacts on display in the museum are more than 350 years old.
Uncover Charleston’s Rich History Today!
Charleston is practically a city built for history fans. Not only is it one of the south’s oldest cities, but it has many places to learn about the city and its people. When you plan to visit Charleston or decide to explore those sites as a local, use this guide to plan trips to the spots that suit your fancy.