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Charleston
History
"Many metaphors have been
used to describe the distinctive geography of
Charleston and the surrounding waters; some
poetic, some less so, others nearly obscene. Let
us just say that the city is serenely located at
the tip of a peninsula formed by the Ashley and
Cooper Rivers, which join to form Charleston
Harbor and empty into the Atlantic Ocean.
Indians were there first, and
the Spanish passed through on occasion, but it
was the English who have made the most impact on
area, starting in 1670. Charles Towne, as it was
known then, was first situated a few miles up the
Ashley River, but the lure of the peninsula was
too great, and the inhabitants relocated after
about 10 years.
A liberal immigration policy,
which attracted industrious French Huguenots, and
religious toleration, which attracted Jewish
merchants and others, led to the town's early
rise as a center of commerce and planting. Other
immigrants, less willing but with critical skills
and labor, made possible a plantation economy
which was among the wealthiest in the world.
Planters and merchants vied
among themselves to build opulent townhouses,
some of which were only occupied a few months out
of the year. As they built and remodeled over the
decades, the city acquired a subtle blend of
architectural styles from Georgian to Palladian
to Federal to Greek Revival and Victorian. The
motif which Charleston has become know for
though, is the house turned edgewise, with a
single room facing the street and a large porch
overlooking a garden. It is a design ideally
suited to the hot, humid summers. The city even
has a color, Charleston Green, a very dark shade,
similar to the green of this background, which
appears on shutters, trim, and trolleys
throughout the city.
Belieing its beauty, Charleston
is a city associated with disaster. Fire was a
constant scourge for the better part of two
centuries, an earthquake shook the city after the
Civil War, and a whole series of hurricanes have
marched through. In recent memory, Hugo caused
great destruction in 1989. But the events that
really stand out are the Revolutionary and Civil
Wars.
Charleston was a city of
Revolutionary zeal, and home to four signers of
the Declaration of Independence. It was
successfully defended against two British
attacks, but in 1780 fell to an overwhelming
British force and occupied for two years.
Resistance went underground and several leading
citizens were carried off to prison. Francis
Marion, the famous Swamp Fox, led a guerrilla
campaign in the surrounding Low Country.
The quest for independence also
imbued the sons of Revolutionaries; and in 1861,
they passed the Ordinance of Secession for South
Carolina in Charleston. The city quickly became
even more notable as the home of Fort Sumter, an
uncompleted masonry fort guarding the harbor. The
garrison commander, Major Anderson, refused to
turn the fort over to the state. It was
intolerable to the people of South Carolina to
have a foreign fortification menacing their main
harbor, and they were forced to fire upon it to
prevent its resupply. The most destructive of
American wars was the result, and Charleston
endured 3 years of Federal siege. It wasn't taken
until the last few months of the war, when
Sherman attacked it from behind.
Charleston was preserved, but
just barely. The wealth was gone, and efforts
were focused on just maintaining the status quo.
In the end, that has proved a blessing for the
city, for there was no money to tear down the
old, and modern Charleston has inherited a
beautiful and well preserved historic district.
In fact, the historic district, created in 1931,
was among the first in the nation.
Modern Charleston has a
historic district unparalleled in America, but
the rest of the city suffers from typical urban
ills, isolated from the brick streets by the
city's peculiar geography. No visitor can miss
the areas of blight and decay which must be
passed to view the Charleston visitors adore.
Hopefully, as the city continues to prosper, some
of the wealth will seep into the surrounding
communities which still have much to offer.
"
FROM Charleston
History, EgoNet.com
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"Charleston is America's
most beautifully preserved architectural and
historic treasure, with a rich, 300-year history
just waiting to be discovered. Hundreds of
significant and lovingly preserved structures
from the colonial and antebellum periods grace
the Historic District's narrow streets. Church
bells toll the hour as history unfolds around
each and every corner. In no other place are the
past and present more intertwined.
The entire Charleston area is a
never-ending feast for the senses, with history
serving as the main course. Visit Charles Towne
Landing, the site where the original settlement
was established in 1670. Explore the Charleston
Museum, our nation's first museum, or Patriots
Point, the world's largest naval and maritime
museum and home of WW II's Fighting Lady, the
aircraft carrier Yorktown. Drive to Fort
Moultrie, scene of the first decisive American
victory of the Revolution, and a mainstay of
shore defense until 1947. Take a scenic boat tour
to Fort Sumter, the man-made island fortress
where the Civil War began. World-famous
plantations and gardens offer visitors a
fascinating glimpse into life during the
antebellum era. Informative tours of the
Charleston area are offered daily and are a must
for all who want to truly appreciate this living
museum
The area's lush sea islands and
sun-drenched beaches offer as much recreation or
relaxation as your heart desires. Golf is on a
world-class level, with challenging courses
reflecting the natural beauty of the South
Carolina lowcountry. Charter fishing on the Gulf
Stream or inshore waters is readily available.
Shopping is one of our Visitors most passionate
pursuits. Marvel at native sweetgrass baskets and
handmade crafts found in Charleston's famous open-air
market, or browse through inviting boutiques, art
galleries and antique shops found throughout the
Charleston area. When it comes to dining, your
biggest decision may just be what to try next.
Every meal is a celebration of tastes, with
variety that ranges from traditional oyster
roasts to fine continental dining. If festivals
strike your fancy, you have come to the right
place. You will be dazzled by a diverse array of
special events.
At any time of year, you will
always find more to see, do and experience than
you ever imagined... in a place where warm
welcomes have been a treasured tradition for over
300 years."
From: Charleston Area
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