History
In 1669, under the leadership of Captain Joseph West, three vessels, the Carolina, the Port Royal and the Albemarle, set their sights on the new land, America. A severe storm separated the three ships, wrecked the Port Royal and forced the Carolina to land in Bermuda. In the spring of 1670, 150 English colonists, indentured servants and slaves sailed into the Charleston harbor. They landed at a site west of the Ashley River, which they named to Charles Town to flatter King Charles II. The city's site was moved in 1680 to its current location, a peninsula bounded by the Ashley and Cooper rivers. In the pre-Revolutionary War and pre-Civil War years, it was one of the richest cities in the country, its economy based on rice, cotton, indigo, tobacco -- and slaves. It was the site of battles in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. It was settled by English and French Huguenot colonists, but as a port city, it attracted an international populace.
Why you should go
It is a city of historic homes and buildings, ancient oak trees, majestic plantations, access to beaches and history galore. During a walk around downtown Charleston and the Battery, you will encounter historic houses of worship, shops, excellent restaurants and tree-lined residential districts with striking architecture and beauty. It's a mecca for golfers, beach goers, tennis players, artists and lovers of seafood.
Main attractions
* Fort Sumter: On April 12, 1861, a Confederate battery fired upon the ship, Star of the West, which was attempting to resupply Fort Sumter, built on an island which guarded Charleston Harbor. They were the first shots of the Civil War. www.nps.gov/fosu/
* The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon: Built by the British as the Exchange and Customs House in 1771, American Patriots were held prisoner here during the Revolutionary War. It is one of the three most historically significant buildings of colonial America. www.oldexchange.com
* Dock Street Theatre: The historic theater opened on Feb. 12, 1736, the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances. It probably was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1740. In 1809 the Planter's Hotel was built on this site. After the Civil War, the hotel fell into disrepair, but in 1935 the original building was purchased from the Pearlstine family, and the present theater was constructed within the shell of the Planter's Hotel. www.charlestonstage.com/dock-street-theatre
* Middleton Place: The carefully preserved 18th century plantation and National Historic Landmark includes 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. www.middletonplace.org
How to get there
Charleston is about 290 miles from downtown Atlanta, and it takes approximately 5 hours, 30 minutes to drive. Direct flights are available to Charleston International Airport.
Links of interest
* Tourist board: www.charlestoncvb.com
* Chamber of Commerce: http://www.charlestonchamber.net Restaurant association: www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com/
* www.historiccharleston.org
* www.charleston-sc.gov
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