Charleston, South Carolina

Going to visit Charleston, SC is an adventure. The city was founded in 1670 and is the oldest city in South Carolina. The city is home to many historical buildings and sites. Pirates lived in and around Battery Park, which is a waterfront park today. It is home to the cannons that were used in the War of 1812. All around the park you can see the architecture of homes that were constructed in the 1800s. Every senior will enjoy a walk around the park and will admire the flowers, trees, homes, and of course, the cannons.

Pirates!

It is rumored that Blackbeard the Pirate blockaded Charleston Harbor. Many sightseers claim that they have encountered his spirit wandering around Battery Park on stormy nights. You may confront him and other ghosts during Ghost Tours in old Charleston. The old slave market at 6 Chalmers Street certainly has more than a few.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, erected in 1771, is on East Bay Street. Because it was the center of economic, social, and cultural activities in Charleston, politics played a large role in its history. In 1774 delegates to the First Continental Congress were elected there. The constitution was presented to the citizens of the area in that building. On its steps, slaves were bought and sold and the dungeon of the building was used as a prison. Today the historic site is open for daily tours and belongs to the  Daughters of the American Revolution.

There are many other types of tours available in Charleston. Fishing Charters are available as well as walking tours, history tours, plantation tours, private tours, and brewery tours. Not to be forgotten are the food tours and the ghost tours. You can walk in one of the oldest graveyards in Charleston or go into the Old City Jail or perhaps join the Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour.

Sites to See

The fort is considered to be where the Civil War began and it was the bloodiest war in the United States. The fort was almost destroyed in 1861.

Don’t forget to visit the Battery when you visit Charleston. Pineapple Fountain is a focal point of the Waterfront Park, which s always open. Just walk downtown and there you are. Ft. Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island is part of the National Park Service and is accessible by car.

The French Quarter contains various Art Galleries as well as the Doc Street Theater which opened in 1736. It was the first building constructed as an actual theater in the United States.

Most citizens of the United States believe that the Civil War was fought over slavery. This is not the entire truth. “The war was fought over state’s rights and the limits of federal power in a union of states.” The truth is not always what you think it is. The South had more slaves than the North yet they were possessed by relatively few numbers of individuals.

Most Southerners did not have slaves and the war was not fought for the few who did. South Carolina was suited for rice plantations and as a result, many landowners did have a large population of slaves. Since rice was a very profitable crop, the owners became very wealthy and thus could afford many slaves. However, slavery is a blight on the history of the United States.

Where to Stay and Eat When You Visit Charleston

Eat on the Island at one of its excellent restaurants:

• Angel Oak Restaurant
• Gilligan’s Steamer and Raw Bar
• Maria’s Mexican Grill
• Stono Market and the Tomato Shed Cafe
• Sunrise Bistro
• The Southern General
• Wild Olive

When you visit Charleston, stay on the waterfront. A few choices are:

• The Battery Carriage House
• Two Meeting Street Inn
• Zero Water Street Bed and Breakfast
• B & B East Battery

Walk over to the ferry that will take you to tour Fort Sumpter when you visit Charleston. The park is free but the Ferry ride will cost. Tour Fort Sumter and then return for lunch along the battery.

Hop on one of the tours of Charleston to see the town. Horse-drawn carriage tours are available. Admire the old homes that boast secret gated gardens. Visit historical Charleston and by dinner time you will be ready for a delicious meal in town. Make time to walk in the park. Sundown over the Battery is perfect. Tomorrow you can cross the Cooper Bridge and visit the USS Yorktown.

Your get-a-way will be over before you know it. Say goodbye to Charleston, knowing that you have not even scratched the surface of this historical town. You can come back.