Official Language:
English
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Currency:
US Dollar
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Population:
Currently, there are approximately 80,000 people l
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Charleston: Charleston's weather would best be described as "mild temperate", however, some say that it is simply hot and humid. In the summer the temperature rises to the 90°F/32°Cin the daytime and lowers to the mid 70°F/21°C at night. Winters are cool, not extremely cold, with temperatures in the upper 50°F/10°C and low 40°F/4°C in January.
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Charleston is situated on a narrow, low-lying peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, at the head of a broad bay leading to the Atlantic Ocean. The rich, vast tidal land of the Lowcountry, which extends from Savannah, Georgia, to the South Carolina coast, is covered by numerous serpentine rivers and streams. If you are taking a plane to visit the region, make sure to look out of the window as the airplane descends. While the plane is circling low, you will be fascinated to see an infinite number of small streams interlocking with each other, forming a chain of swamps across the Carolinas and Georgia.
Notwithstanding a history dotted with earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, and Yankee bombardments, Charleston remains one of the best-preserved cities in America's Old South. It boasts 73 pre-Revolutionary War buildings, 136 from the late 18th century, and more than 600 built before the 1840s. With its cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, Charleston is a place of visual images and sensory pleasures. Jasmine and wisteria fragrances fill the air; the aroma of she-crab soup (a local favorite) wafts from sidewalk cafes; and antebellum architecture graces the historic cityscape. "No wonder they are so full of themselves," said an envious visitor from Columbia, which may be the state capital but has little of Charleston's style and grace.
In 1663, King Charles II of England gave a huge part of North America to his Lord's Proprietor. This gift soon grew to encompass the entire south of the present United States. This extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific - and even included a large portion of northern Mexico, too. None of this land actually belonged to King Charles II. Seven years later, the settlers named a city after him. The selected a city where two rivers formed a peninsula along South Carolina's central coast.
This city originally named Charles Town and later changed to "Charleston," quickly grew in trade, immigration, and wealth in the Colonial South. By 1790, while New Yorkers (county population 33,000) were fixing windmills, grazing sheep, and draining swamps, Charlestonians (county population 67,000) were attending operas and piano recitals. Following the Civil War, the city lost some of its maritime prominence to other industrial ports to the north and west. In retrospect, however, this loss of prominence probably saved the city's beautiful waterfront homes, antebellum mansions, and historic core from the demolition-hungry needs of urban growth.
In 1825, Charleston became the first US city to operate a passenger steam locomotive in regular service.In its annual reader survey, Condé Nast Traveler magazine named Charleston the No. 5 city to visit in America, which places it ahead of such perennial favorites as Boston, Washington, D.C., and Santa Fe. Visitors are drawn here from all over the world, and it is now quite common to hear German and French spoken on local streets.
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Attractions |
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Charleston is home to about 89,000 people, the second largest city in South Carolina. It's Historic District encompasses hundreds of historic buildings. Considering that Charleston suffered many calamities -- great fires, earthquakes, a civil war, and hurricane it is remarkable that those structures have survived to this date. Charleston today boasts 73 pre-Revolutionary buildings, 136 late-18th century buildings, and more than 600 buildings built prior to the 1840s. Large antebellum houses and mansions stand along the narrow cobblestone streets in Charleston. Antebellum is the term describing something occurring before a war, usually and in this case, the American Civil War. Typical antebellum houses have open-air living spaces with courtyards and walled gardens. Numerous old churches from various denominations remain in the city as well.
As a city with more than 300 years of history, Charleston has many historic "firsts." The first shots of the Civil War, the first decisive patriot victory of the American Revolution, the first playhouse in the nation, and the first museum in America.
The Dock Street Theatre :
It was America's first theater and is situated at Church and Queen streets. The original building was constructed in 1736. The current structure is the remodeled one, the former Planters Hotel buit in the early 1800s. Historic forts are the most visited attractions in the Lowcountry area.
Fort Sumter is where the Civil War began. On April 12, 1861, after the first shot was fired and 34 hours of bloodless battle, it was surrendered and the Confederates held the fort for the next 27 months. Today, what remains of the fort is a national monument administered by the National Park Service. The fort houses a museum featuring exhibits of the fort's history.
Fort Moultrie:
Another famous historic fort is Fort Moultrie, it was originally built in 1776 to guard the harbors. During the Civil War, it also defended the city. Charleston boasts many museum houses.
Calhoun Mansion:
One of the more impressive historic houses is the Calhoun Mansion. Built in 1876, the house is one of a few remaining examples of Victorian palaces. This 25-room, 24,000-square-foot house features original tile floors and walnut, cherry, and oak woodwork, hand-painted gas chandeliers and a 45-foot-high ceiling ballroom.
Edmondston-Alston House:
The house displays family documents, portraits, silver pieces and furnishings, much of it dates back to the 1830s.
Aiken-Rhett House :
is another house museum that preserves some of Charleston's history remarkably intact. The original structure was built in 1817 as a typical Charleston single house and was altered twice; first in the bold Greek Revival and then the ornamented Rococo Revival style. At the rear of the house, restored slave quarters and outbuildings stand. For those who would like to learn about the history of slave and Gullah culture, visit some of the impressive plantations.
Drayton Hall.:
One of the prominent plantation houses, built in 1738, this 18th-century Georgian-Palladian dwelling is often regarded one of the most architecturally significant dwellings in America.
The Middleton Place :
It is another magnificent plantation house, featuring the oldest landscaped gardens in America. It took 100 slaves 10 years to finish the terraces, camellia-lined walks and ornamental lakes.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens i:
It is the 500-acre estate acquired by the Drayton family in 1676. It features 250 varieties of Azalea and 900 varieties of Camellia. This plantation also features bike and walking paths, a petting zoo, and a canoe trail. At
South Carolina Golf Club:
Charleston was also the site of America's first golf course and golf club. In 1786 the South Carolina Golf Club was formed and established "Charleston Green" in what is now downtown Charleston. The city offers the golf enthusiast several golf courses that are world class.
Historic Charleston:
This is a narrated tour which focuses on the city's townhouses, mansions, churches, and educational institutions. Some tours may also include a visit to Boone Plantation for a glimpse of the workings of an antebellum plantation.
Charleston via Carriage Ride:
If you are not big on walking the this is the tour for you. The horse drawn carriage ride takes you along the waterfront neighborhood known as the "Battery," and the nearby French Quarter, (known in the past as "Red Light District)."
Fort Sumter & Patriot's Point:
After a brief bus ride and you transfer to a boat for a beautiful run across the harbor to Fort Sumter stands. The tour allows plenty time to roam the fort before you return to the mainland. A slight variation to the tour may include a stop at Patriot''s Point to see the Maritime Museum.
Harbor Tour:
If walking, carriaging or biking are not for you, try boating. An excellent way to stay cool in the humid weather is to tour the harbor by boat. It is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the city.
Carta:
For travel within the Historic District, you'll find the Carta (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) -operated trolleys the best bet. The trolleys (actually, rubber-tired buses that look like trolleys) travel various routes; one runs right by the Cruise Terminal. One-way fares (exact change required) are $1.00; one-day passes can be had for $3.00, a three-day pass for $7.00.
Charleston Aquarium:
Charleston is also about fish and other sea animals. The Charleston Aquarium (just a few blocks from the cruise terminal) is where to find them. Sharks, otters, rays, and other local marine creatures are here to be seen. Kids love the IMAX theater.
Charleston Museum:
This is the oldest museum in America! In 1773 the museum was opened, just three years before the Declaration of Independence! The museum houses exhibits on African-American history and crafts. There are also exhibits of local geology, elegant clothing, Civil War memorabilia, paintings, silverware, and even the skeleton of a giant whale.
Old City Market:
Built in 1841, the city market features small shops, restaurants, and a flea market that extends along Market Street. You'll find everything here, from t-shirts and souvenirs to beautiful, hand-crafted sweetgrass baskets.
Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour:
The Charleston Ghost & Dungeon Tour. You actually go into the dungeon - very cool If you like scary and fun. Located Downtown Charleston 843-724-6262 www.charlestondungeon.com
The Beach:
If you prefer to relax on the beach you may visit and relax at the beach communities of Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Folly Beach, and Kiawah Island. Beach facilities range from little more than an empty stretch of sand, to playgrounds, skate and bike rentals, shops, and restaurants.
Shopping:
Charleston, where affluent British-educated Charlestonians once proudly decorated their homes in English style, boasts many fine antique shops with decidedly British taste. Charleston has long been a huge, vibrant antique market. In the early 1900s, a few antique dealers from New York discovered Charleston's quality English furnishings. Many of Charleston's old homes were built to show off fine antique furnishings. Auctions and estate sales are held regularly in Charleston, and some local dealers and buyers make regular buying trips to Europe. Ships that carry huge containers filled with early to mid 19th century English antiques arrive regularly in Charleston Harbor. Early furniture from Charleston is among the best of the pre-1830 furniture crafted in the U.S. One particular section along King Street, between Beaufain and Queen streets, is referred to as the Antique District, where you will find a high concentration of quality antique shops. If you are seriously considering buying one of them, make sure to talk to the storeowners, as there are often back rooms or upstairs galleries reserved for potential buyers. King Street has also been the heart of Charleston's shopping district for the past two hundred years.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Charleston:
Charleston Travel Information
Port of Charleston
196 Concord Street
Charleston
www.port-of-charleston.com
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