Most natives know that Charleston, now the second largest city in the state, is the oldest “town” in South Carolina. It’s a place that’s changed and grown in leaps and bounds especially in the last quarter of a century. But one thing remains constant. It’s a city people have been flocking to since the first settlement was established on the west bank of the Ashley River in 1670. Another constant: Charleston residents are proud of the history of their home.
Here’s a look at some key areas, places and things in the city that are the oldest in town:
The oldest house in Charleston is on the city's beloved cobblestone road - Chalmers Street. The house was built in 1712 and now houses an art gallery. The Pink House Gallery is located at 17 Chalmers Street.
Built in 1712, the same year as The Pink House, the Colonel William Rhett House is also among the oldest houses still standing in Charleston. This house is located at 54 Hasell Street.
The original site of the town was at the present day location of Charles Town Landing in the area of town locals know as "West Ashley." By 1680, this site had been all but abandoned and the town had been moved to its present location.
The Powder Magazine was authorized during Queen Anne's War in 1703 but wasn't completed until 1713. It has walls that are 32 inches thick and it was first used as a gunpowder store. Today, it's a museum with artifacts from the Revolutionary War. It's open to the public with a small entrance fee. The Powder Magazine is located at 79 Cumberland Street.
There are spots in the Holy City that claim bragging rights to a George Washington appearance. ("George Washington ate here," "George Washington slept here.") In 1791 George Washington sat in this very church. The church still has the cedar pew on which he sat. St. Michael's Church is the oldest regularly operated house of worship in the city. And while it's not commonly open for tours of the inside, you are free to explore the outside, which includes a very old cemetery. You'll find St. Michael's at the corner of Broad Street and Church Street.
Charleston's cobblestone streets date all the way back to the early days of this town. The stones, now a novelty, were used to weigh and help balance cargo ships coming into and out of Charleston. Routinely, the stones would be loaded and unloaded and left to stand in piles on the many wharfs on the harbor.
At some point the townspeople got tired of wading through muddy streets and started putting the smooth round stones into the ground to cover the roads. It's speculated that at one point there were 10 miles of cobblestone streets in Charleston. Today, only seven short streets remain. You can see them all here.
The home at 145 Church street known as "The Pirate House" was built in 1740. Reportedly there was a tunnel under this house that ran all the way to the harbor so pirates could come and and go as they pleased.
Residents put up elaborate iron gates and fencing around their homes during this period. As you wander around Charleston look for fences with spikes along the top like this one. Reportedly, those spikes were designed to keep the pirates out.
Just how many existing buildings in Charleston were built prior to the Revolutionary War?
It appears that at least 105 buildings still standing in Charleston were constructed prior to the Revolutionary War. You can view the complete list here.
In the last year, Charleston has been repeatedly making travel news headlines. Recently named the Best City in America as well as the Friendliest City in the World, this big city got its start as a small town on the west bank of the Ashley River and has been a melting pot for new residents since then. In the last 25 years, the population of the city proper has grown by nearly 33 percent.
It’s easy to see why this “town” in South Carolina has been so very popular from the beginning. Have you been to Charleston? We’d love to know and to see your photos in our comments on Facebook!
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