Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a very walkable city filled with beautiful historic homes and gardens. We found it interesting that the “front doors” for most homes opened up onto porches rather than into the house.

One of our first stops was Fort Sumter National Monument. According to the National Park information, “the Civil War saw its first armed combat here on April 12, 1861. South Carolina seceded in protest of Lincoln’s election and the social and economic changes sure to follow.”

Tickets are sold at the visitor center for the ferry out to Fort Sumter, located on an island out in the Cooper River. We didn’t take the ferry however, we were told it is about a 30 min ferry ride each way and visitors spend about an hour at the fort. If you go, plan for about two and 1/2 hours total round trip.

Benches in this park are swings!

While the city is walkable, the walkways are old and uneven. Much of the city still has the original stone and brick, which can be quite challenging to navigate. Keep that in mind when selecting footwear.

The Old Slave Mart Museum is one of the pre-Civil War buildings that still survives in Charleston. Built in 1859, this was the location where slaves were once auctioned. Today this museum recounts the history of the African experience in South Carolina from Charles Towne’s founding through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s. It was disappointing to find it closed on Sunday when we were there. Lesson learned – always check schedule times when planning your trip.

We were able to tour the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Built in the mid-1700’s, this building has been many things over the years, it was used as a customs house, public market, public meeting place, and jail. Three years before the Boston tea party, confiscated tea was stored here when locals refused to pay taxes on the tea, but also refused to use it or give it back for all three years. Our tour guide called this “the most passive aggressive tea party ever held”.

The coved ceiling is throughout the basement.

During a renovation, the original seawall was uncovered below these steps.

The original sea wall can be seen in the basement.

This building held the South Carolina convention to ratify the US Constitution in 1788. It is one of four such buildings still standing. Visitors can sign a copy of the constitution when they visit.

The upstairs hall held many event when George Washington was in town.

Joel signing the Constitution

In the 19th century the building was also used as a post office. To learn more about this historic building click here.

While walking along a side street looking for a place to eat we noticed this building. There is so much history everywhere you turn.

We did find a great restaurant, 82 Queen (so named because it is number 82 on Queen street). It is the 2nd oldest restaurant in Charleston with 3 buildings, a large courtyard, and live jazz every Sunday for brunch.

A few more notable sights from Charleston: