Charleston South Carolina
History
The city of Charleston, South Carolina is well recognized as one
of the favored tourist destinations on the Atlantic coast of the
United States. It is a combination of the area’s southern
charm and its historic significance that makes Charleston a top
vacation destination. A trip to Charleston is as much a trip in
time as in space. Visitors to the area can re-live the shaping
of the nation by experiencing the many
historic sites of the city.
Charleston is not only the second largest city in the state
of South Carolina; it is also it’s oldest. The history
of the area is as rich as it is diverse –covering several
key periods of American history. Long before the city became
the launching point for the birth of the American Civil War,
it was an extremely affluent home to wealthy rice and cotton
planters. The religious history of the area is well documented
by the 175 churches (with their architecturally appealing soaring
steeples and spires) that are plentiful in the historic sections
of the area. The area was long ago christened “the Holy
City” because of its religious significance in the shaping
of the nation’s history.
As mentioned previously, Charleston became the focal point
in the beginnings of the American Civil War. You can spend time
visiting one or more of the area’s historic forts –that
remain largely in their original condition. In Fort Moultrie
you can explore the area where the first major Patriot victory
was won; Fort Sumter is famous for being the location where
the first shots were fired to inaugurate the beginning of the
war. Throughout the area are remnants of that long forgotten
era- where the very character and identity of the nation was
forged.
At the Charleston City Market you can also take part in the
history of the area- in real time. Horse drawn carriages and
locals dressed in historic garb line the streets of the area
frequented by curious shoppers. You can also sample some “low
country cuisine” as local chefs will “fix”
you something full of southern charm- but also incorporating
a unique blend of global influences. It is at Charleston City
Market that you can lumber leisurely along- enjoying the history,
the local shopping, and the delicious cuisine.
Beyond the forts and battlefields of the Civil War, Charleston
also boasts the architectural remnant of an era from long ago.
For visitors there are a plentitude of historic sites to choose
from. Among them are: the Aiken-Rhett House- originally constructed
in 1818, this is a testament to the area’s architectural
history; the Calhoun Mansion - built after the Civil War by
a wealthy banker- this extravagant home features, among other
things, a 75 foot domed ceiling, and Eliza’s House - a
two family Freedman’s cabin built in the 19th century,
this Natural Historic Landmark boasts a Colonial period stable-yard
and America’s oldest landscaped garden.
This short description of what the city of Charleston, South
Carolina has to offer begins to paint a very clear picture;
one as rich in history as it is in southern charm. And it is
this combination, along with modern attractions and the balmy
South Carolina climate that helps to make Charleston a top destination
for tourists who return again and again to enjoy this one-of–a-kind
region of the continent.
Charleston Vacation
Packages can be requested here.
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