Fascinating Facts About Charleston, SC

Here’s a quick look at Charleston through a mix of fascinating bite-sized facts. From historic firsts to surprising stories and complex moments, each fact adds a layer to the city’s unique character. Dive in and discover what makes Charleston so unforgettable.

Historic Establishments

  1. South Carolinas Oldest City founded in 1670

  2. Charleston Harbor: established as a significant port in the early years of the city. The harbor began to function as a trading port shortly after the city was established, facilitating commerce, including the transatlantic slave trade. The harbor's deep water allowed it to accommodate large shipsreinforcing its importance to Charleston's economy and history.

  3. America's Oldest Theater: Dock Street Theatre (1736) was America's first building dedicated solely to theatrical performances. Today's structure, rebuilt in the 1930s, incorporates elements from the 1800s Planter's Hotel.

  4. Oldest Liquor Store: The Tavern (1686), now Palmetto Spirits, holds the title of America's oldest liquor store, operating continuously for over 335 years.

  5. First Golf Course: Harleston Green, established in 1786, was America's first golf course, introduced by Scottish merchants.

  6. Recognized as the First Public College: The College of Charleston, established in 1770, is recognized as the oldest institution of higher education in South Carolina. Originally founded as a private college, it transitioned to a public institution in 1970, making it the first public college in America.

  7. The Citadel (1842): Established as the Military College of South Carolina, one of only six senior military colleges in the United States. Originally located at Marion Square (Old Citadel), moved to its current Ashley River location in 1922.

  8. Avery Normal Institute: Established in 1865, the Avery Normal Institute in Charleston was one of the first schools for African Americans in the South, playing a crucial role in educating and empowering the Black community during the Reconstruction era. Today, the original building houses the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, part of the College of Charleston, preserving the institute's legacy and promoting scholarship on African American history. The center continues to honor the mission of the Avery Normal Institute by providing resources for research and community engagement.

  9. Charleston Museum While it was founded in 1773, making it the first museum in America, it didn't open to the public until 1824. ICurrent location on Meeting Street dates to 1980.

  10. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Founded in 1676, Magnolia Plantation is one of the oldest plantations in the South. Its gardens, opened to the public in 1870, are famous for their romantic design, winding paths, and vibrant azaleas. Magnolia’s history reflects Charleston’s agricultural roots and the influence of the enslaved Africans who helped shape its iconic landscape.

  11. Charleston’s brewing history began in 1732 with one of the first breweries in the American colonies, located near today’s East Bay Street on the peninsula. This early brewery was a pioneer in American brewing, with local brewers incorporating rice to reflect the region’s agricultural heritage—a tradition that endures in Charleston’s vibrant craft beer scene today. Popular spots like Holy City Brewing and Revelry Brewing Co. carry on this legacy with creative blends and local ingredients.

  12. The Pink House, built around 1712, is Charleston’s oldest surviving residence. Located on Chalmers Street, this is known for its distinctive pink stucco and gambrel roof with "knee bend" tiles. Originally a tavern, this single-room-wide structure embodies early colonial architecture. Over the centuries, the Pink House has served many purposes: from a lively tavern and drinking establishment in colonial Charleston to a law office, an art gallery, and, now, a private residence.

  13. Charleston Naval Shipyard: Established in 1901, it was a significant naval facility that contributed to U.S. Navy shipbuilding until 1996.

  14. Underground Tunnels: A network of tunnels beneath the city, used historically by merchants and possibly bootleggers, still exists.

  15. Burial Grounds: Many Charleston gardens were once graveyards, explaining some of the city's ghost stories.

Historical Events & People

  1. Declaration Signers: Four Charlestonians signed the Declaration of Independence: Edward Rutledge (youngest signer at 26), Arthur Middleton, Thomas Heyward Jr., and Thomas Lynch Jr.

  2. Pirate History: Blackbeard held the entire city hostage for medical supplies in 1718, demanding and receiving a chest of medicines

  3. Revolutionary War Fort: During the Revolutionary War, Sullivan’s Island played a crucial role in defending Charleston. In 1776, patriots built Fort Moultrie out of resilient palmetto logs, which absorbed British cannon fire and prevented significant damage. This victory inspired the addition of the palmetto tree to South Carolina's state flag, symbolizing strength and resilience—a proud reminder of the state’s history and enduring spirit.

  4. Presidential Visit: George Washington stayed at the Heyward-Washington House during his 1791 Southern tour, now preserved as a museum.

  5. Largest Slave Auction: The largest documented slave auction in U.S. history occurred at Ryan's Mart in 1859, where over 600 enslaved people were sold. This was only discovered in 2021 by a graduate student at the College of Charleston while reviewing old posts and articles.

  6. Secession City: Charleston became known as "Secession City" when South Carolina became the first state to secede (December 20, 1860). The signing ceremony at Institute Hall was so packed that officials feared the building would collapse.

  7. First Shots: The Civil War’s first shots were fired on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces began a 34-hour bombardment. Charleston’s civilians gathered at The Battery and watched from their piazzas, some even bringing picnics to view the spectacle. Remarkably, only a horse was lost in this intense opening exchange, with Fort Sumter surrendered the next day, officially marking the start of the war.

  8. Submarine Pioneer: The H.L. Hunley, the famous Confederate submarine, was built in Charleston, South Carolina. Constructed in 1863, the Hunley was designed to break the Union blockade surrounding Charleston Harbor. It became the first submarine to successfully sink an enemy warship, the USS Housatonic, in 1864. However, the Hunley itself was lost shortly after this mission, only to be rediscovered off the coast of Charleston in 1995. The submarine now resides in North Charleston, where it is preserved and displayed for public viewing.
    The crew of the H.L. Hunley was laid to rest with full military honors after their remains were discovered. When the Hunley was raised in 2000, the remains of its eight crew members were found inside. After extensive research and careful preservation, they were given a formal burial on April 17, 2004, at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston, South Carolina. The ceremony was attended by thousands, honoring the crew over a century after their tragic mission.

  9. Traveling Church Bells: Among the oldest church bells in America, the St. Michael’s Church bells in Charleston have a rich, resilient history. Cast in London in 1764, they were installed in the church steeple that same year. Seized by British forces during the American Revolution, they were later returned. During the Civil War, Charlestonians hid them in Columbia, SC, but they were damaged in a fire during Sherman’s March. After repairs in England, the bells returned, preserving their historical resonance. Each bell has its unique tone, and together they create a harmonious chime heard across the Charleston peninsula, connecting the city's present to its colonial and revolutionary roots.

Agricultural Heritage

  1. Charleston Tea Garden (formerly Charleston Tea Plantation): Only large-scale tea garden in North America located on Wadmalaw Island, continues the region’s tea legacy, offering public tours and tastings.

  2. Original Tea Plants at Middleton Place – Likely brought to South Carolina in the late 1700s or early 1800s, though large-scale tea cultivation efforts in the U.S. didn’t take off until around 1848, when Dr. Junius Smith began experimenting with tea plants in Greenville, South Carolina. By the 1880s, significant efforts to cultivate tea on a commercial scale began at the Pinehurst Tea Plantation near Summerville, close to Charleston.

  3. Rice Legacy: “Carolina Gold” rice, cultivated in the Lowcountry’s swampy fields with the expertise of enslaved Africans, transformed Charleston into a major rice exporter during the colonial era. Today, Carolina Gold rice is available at local markets, specialty stores, and through producers like Anson Mills.

  4. Cotton Boom: The invention of the cotton gin in 1793 revolutionized cotton production, making it a major export for Charleston and establishing the city as one of the critical hubs in the global cotton trade. Charleston played a significant role in the cotton industry, which was heavily reliant on enslaved labor, as plantations produced vast amounts of cotton to meet growing demand.

  5. Indigo Influence: Introduced by Eliza Lucas Pinckney in the 1740s, indigo became a significant export and economic staple in colonial Charleston due to the demand for blue dye.

  6. Charleston Gray Watermelon – This variety was developed in Charleston in 1954 by plant breeder Charles Andrus at the USDA research station. It was specifically bred for its resistance to diseases and its ability to thrive in the Southeast's climate, making it a locally developed and significant variety.

Architecture & Design

  1. Charleston Single House Design: A colonial-era style characterized by its narrow front, side-facing piazza (porch), and deep layout to maximize airflow in Charleston’s humid climate. This design is iconic to Charleston architecture.

  2. Piazzas and “Hospitality Doors”: Charleston single houses typically feature a side-facing piazza that runs along the side of the home, accessible by a unique front-facing door known as a "hospitality door." This door doesn’t lead directly into the home but opens to the piazza, symbolizing hospitality and welcoming guests. This design allowed for privacy and ventilation while offering shaded, breezy outdoor spaces in Charleston’s humid climate.

  3. Tax Dodge Houses: Charleston’s single house design also evolved to avoid taxes based on street frontage, resulting in narrow homes with distinctive side porches.

  4. Dependencies: Historic Charleston homes often featured outbuildings, known as dependencies, serving as kitchens, carriage houses, slave quarters, or storage spaces. Typically connected to the main house by a narrow, arched “hyphen” structure, these dependencies formed self-contained urban compounds, enhancing privacy and fire safety. Today, when selling property, these lots are often denoted with an address suffix, like “24A,” to signify historic dependencies.

  5. Double Staircases: Many Charleston homes, especially in the French Quarter and South of Broad areas, feature double staircases at the entrance. These grand staircases lead to the main level of the home and were historically used to create a formal entrance, keeping the home elevated and protected from potential floodwaters.

  6. Charleston’s Secret Gardens: Hidden gardens, accessed through small gates in brick walls, serve as private retreats inspired by British garden design, now celebrated through tours and festivals.

  7. The Green Rebellion: Charleston Green paint originated when residents mixed Union-supplied black paint with yellow after the Civil War, creating their signature nearly-black green color.

  8. Oyster Concrete: Known as tabby, this durable concrete made from oyster shells was Charleston's original sustainable building material, still visible in structures over 200 years old.

  9. Recycled Streets: Charleston’s cobblestone streets were paved with ballast stones discarded by European ships, creating the city’s romantic streetscape.

  10. Earthquake Bolts: An iconic architectural feature, these iron rods and plates, often seen as decorative stars, Xs, or circles on many Charleston buildings, were added after the 1886 earthquake to reinforce structures and prevent collapse. These bolts run through the walls, anchoring them to stabilize the buildings from potential future seismic activity.

  11. Charleston-Style Gas Lamps: Charleston’s gas lamps are uniquely designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, a custom adaptation for the city’s coastal environment. Many still use original 19th-century copper gas lines and working gas cock valves, creating a rare blend of function and historical authenticity. These lamps are a distinct symbol of Charleston’s commitment to preservation and resilience, casting a warm, timeless glow over its historic streets.

  12. Oyster Shell Decor: The use of oyster shells in Charleston decor dates back to at least the early 18th century, reflecting a deep connection to the area’s coastal heritage and seafood culture. Shells were repurposed into home decor, such as wreaths, ornaments, and wall art, embracing them as symbols of Charleston’s sustainable approach and coastal charm.

  13. Magnolia Wreaths: By the mid-1800s, magnolia wreaths became a symbol of Southern hospitality and natural beauty, often used to decorate homes during the holiday season. The glossy, deep-green leaves embody the elegance of the Lowcountry, and today, magnolia wreaths continue to grace front doors and interiors as timeless symbols of Charleston’s charm and warmth.

  14. First Preservationists: Charleston enacted America’s first historic preservation ordinance in 1931, establishing the country’s first historic district. The city’s strict preservation codes ensure that 75% of pre-Civil War buildings remain intact.

  15. Charleston’s Historic District enforces strict height ordinances, limiting buildings to 50–55 feet. This approach ensures that historic structures, particularly church steeples, remain visible and maintain their unique place in the city's skyline, preserving the character of the city amid carefully controlled development.

  16. Rainbow Row: America's longest cluster of Georgian row houses, painted in pastel colors after their 1930s restoration, stands as a colorful representation of Charleston’s historic charm and architectural preservation.

African American Cultural Heritage & Traditions

  1. Gullah Survival: Descendants of enslaved West Africans, the Gullah people developed a unique culture in Charleston and the Sea Islands. Their language, crafts, and cuisine—including storytelling and sweetgrass basket weaving—retain strong African influences. Many Charleston residents proudly preserve and share these traditions with visitors. Charleston is part of the federally recognized Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Rice pounding songs are still preserved in Gullah culture.

  2. Spirit-Stopping Blue: The tradition of Haint Blue porch ceilings stems from Gullah culture. The Gullah people believed this soft blue color would keep “haints” or spirits away, as spirits could not cross water. Today, Haint Blue decorates porches throughout Charleston, serving as a meaningful homage to this belief.

  3. Dance Revolution: The Charleston dance originated with African American dancers at Jenkins Orphanage, who scandalized society in the 1920s by breaking race barriers before it became an international sensation. With lively kicks, twists, and swinging arms, this dance—rooted in African American and Gullah traditions—became an iconic symbol of the Jazz Age.

  4. Basket Art: Sweetgrass basket weaving, a 300-year-old African tradition, continues today as one of the oldest surviving African crafts in America. Passed down through generations, each artisan brings unique styles, with distinctive shapes and patterns that make every basket a piece rich in cultural significance and individual expression. The Charleston City Market has been a sweetgrass basket selling venue since the 1800s.

  5. Heart Gates: Philip Simmons, born in 1912, grew up immersed in Gullah culture and became one of America’s most celebrated blacksmiths. Known for his more than 500 ironworks throughout Charleston, including the famous Heart Gate on Anson Street, his artistry continues to symbolize Charleston’s beauty and resilience. His legacy endures, with Philip Simmons High School named in his honor.

  6. Benne Wafers: Dating back to the 1700s, benne wafers are a sweet-and-savory Charleston snack made from benne seeds, brought to the area by enslaved Africans. These thin, crisp cookies have a nutty flavor and are often served with cheese plates or as a treat, symbolizing Charleston's Gullah heritage.

Religious & Cultural Sites

  1. The Holy City: Known for its impressive array of historic churches, Charleston has nearly 20 churches within its downtown area alone, representing a wide range of denominations. This includes Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, and Jewish congregations, as well as the French Huguenot Church—the only active Huguenot congregation in the United States. The city’s famous steeple-dotted skyline symbolizes its longstanding religious diversity and tolerance, creating a spiritual landscape central to Charleston’s identity.

  2. Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim: Established in 1749, this synagogue is a significant part of Charleston’s Holy City heritage, housing the oldest continuously used sanctuary in American Reform Judaism. The synagogue was designed by famous architect Russell Warren, and its organ was the first ever used in American Jewish worship. Remarkably, the congregation’s 1830 prayer books remain in use today, reflecting the preservation of tradition within Charleston’s Jewish community.

  3. Mother Emanuel AME Church: Founded in 1816, Mother Emanuel has a storied past, hosting secret religious meetings in its basement during the era of slavery. After the original wooden structure was destroyed in an 1822 earthquake, the church was rebuilt and became a focal point for African American resilience. During the Civil War, the church bell was buried to prevent it from being melted down for ammunition, and an underground tunnel system once connected it to nearby safe houses, underscoring its role in the city’s historic struggle for freedom and equality.

  4. Four Corners of Law at Broad and Meeting Streets: An iconic intersection where four buildings represent different spheres of law:

    • Charleston City Hall (City Law) – Built in 1801, this Georgian-style building houses the city government, overseeing local ordinances and municipal matters.

    • Charleston County Courthouse (County Law) – Originally constructed in 1753 and redesigned in 1792 by White House architect James Hoban, it addresses county-level civil and criminal cases.

    • U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse (Federal Law) – Completed in 1896 in Renaissance Revival style, this building serves as both a federal courthouse and post office, handling national legal matters.

    • St. Michael’s Episcopal Church (Spiritual/Moral Law) – Built in 1761, Charleston’s oldest church represents spiritual guidance. Its steeple is a city icon, symbolizing Charleston’s historic moral values.

    These four buildings highlight Charleston’s unique civic and moral heritage, embodying its layered approach to law and governance.

Natural Heritage

  1. Harbor History: Charleston Harbor has been an active port since 1670, shaping the city's development and culture.

  2. Hurricane Survival: Charleston has survived numerous major hurricanes, including Hugo in 1989, leading to innovative building preservation techniques.

  3. Tidal City: Charleston is built on a peninsula where five rivers meet the Atlantic, creating dramatic tidal changes that influenced city design.

  4. Cooper River Ferry Service: Established in 1748, the Cooper River ferry service connects Downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant, facilitating transportation across the river. Departing from the Charleston Maritime Center, the ferry offers scenic views of the Charleston skyline and surrounding waterways, making it a popular choice for both residents and visitors. Today, this historic service continues to play an important role in the region's connectivity and charm.

  5. Local oysters grow in unique clusters called "clusters" or "clumps" They can be seen in various locations along the coast.

  6. Angel Oak: The area's famous Angel Oak tree is estimated to be 400-500 years old, making it one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi.

  7. Pluff Mud: Pluff mud is the thick, gray-brown mud found in Charleston’s tidal marshes, known for its sticky texture and distinctive, earthy smell. For locals, the smell of pluff mud is a nostalgic scent, signaling the presence of rich marshland. It’s both a source of fascination and a reminder of Charleston’s unique natural environment.

  8. The Lowcountry, named for its low elevation near sea level, traditionally includes Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton counties, with Charleston as its cultural and historical heart. Often, parts of Georgetown County are also considered part of the Lowcountry, reflecting the region’s shared coastal landscape and heritage.

  9. Indigenous Plants: Plants like Carolina Jessamine, the Charleston Ladies camellia, palmetto trees, and palmetto bushes reflect Charleston’s natural heritage and historical significance. Additionally, saltgrass is common in coastal areas.

Culinary Heritage: Charleston’s Signature Flavors

  1. Sweet Tea, a quintessential Southern beverage, its brewed strong and sweetened generously, often served over ice with lemon. It has deep roots in Charleston, where the tradition of tea drinking has been cherished since colonial times.

  2. Planter’s Punch
    Originating in Charleston, Planter’s Punch is a classic rum cocktail traditionally made with dark rum, lime juice, sugar, and sometimes a splash of grenadine. Garnished with fruit or a sprig of mint, this refreshing drink reflects Charleston's tropical influences and warm hospitality.

  3. She-Crab Soup: A Charleston specialty with roots in English bisque-making, she-crab soup combines blue crab meat, crab roe from female crabs, and a touch of sherry for a rich, creamy dish. Female crabs are used specifically for their roe, which gives the soup its distinctive flavor and creamy texture.

  4. Pimento Cheese – The Caviar of the South
    Known as the “Caviar of the South,” pimento cheese is a Charleston staple made with shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. A favorite for sandwiches and dips, Charleston chefs often add their own flair with ingredients like jalapeños or smoked cheddar, making this Southern classic a must-try.

  5. Sarah Rutledge's 1847 Cookbook: Contains the first recorded shrimp and grits recipe. The cookbook is still in print and continues to be a valuable resource for Southern cooking enthusiasts.

  6. Charleston Rice Spoons: Charleston silversmiths crafted unique rice spoons with extra-long handles specifically for reaching into the deep pots used to cook Carolina Gold rice. These spoons are broad and slightly cupped, ideal for serving fluffy rice—a staple of Lowcountry cuisine. The design reflects Charleston’s rich rice culture and the influence of skilled artisans who tailored their craft to the region’s culinary traditions.

Cultural Customs and Traditions

  1. The Carolina Day Celebration
    Held annually on June 28, Carolina Day with origins dating back to 1777 commemorates the Battle of Sullivan’s Island during the American Revolutionary War, a pivotal victory over British forces in 1776. The day celebrates Charleston’s colonial-era resistance and is marked by historical reenactments and parades.

  2. Joggling Boards – A Charleston Invention, the joggling board, a long, flexible bench that gently bounces, was invented in Charleston in the early 1800s. Inspired by British customs, these boards are now a staple on porches throughout the city, symbolizing hospitality and Southern tradition. Charleston's original dating tool, with local legend holding that every home with one saw its daughters married.

  3. Pineapple: Charleston’s Enduring Symbol of Hospitality: In colonial Charleston, sea captains returning from long voyages would place a pineapple outside their homes as a symbol of hospitality, inviting friends and neighbors to hear tales from their travels. This practice, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, reflected wealth and generosity, as pineapples were exotic and rare. Today, Charleston’s Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park commemorates this tradition, symbolizing the city's enduring spirit of warmth and welcome.

  4. Tea Service
    Charleston embraced British tea-drinking customs early on, and the tradition of afternoon tea has persisted. Many Charleston tea houses offer elegant tea services with locally sourced tea from the Charleston Tea Garden, accompanied by Southern-style finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones.

  5. Oyster Roasts – A Lowcountry Tradition
    A favorite fall and winter gathering in Charleston, oyster roasts bring friends and family together around an open fire. Locals roast oysters, add hot sauce or lemon, and enjoy this tradition with deep roots in British coastal customs and Charleston’s maritime culture.

  6. Lowcountry Boil
    Also known as Frogmore Stew, the Lowcountry Boil is a one-pot meal with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. Inspired by British communal meals and seafood dishes, it’s a cherished Charleston tradition enjoyed with family and friends, especially in warmer months.

Wildlife andAnimals of Charleston

  1. Loggerhead Sea Turtles – Nesting along Charleston’s beaches from May to October, these turtles are a symbol of marine conservation in the region.

  2. Bottlenose Dolphins – Known for their rare strand feeding behavior, where they herd fish onto mudflats to catch prey, these dolphins are a remarkable sight in Charleston’s tidal creeks.

  3. Painted Buntings – Migrating to Charleston each spring and summer, these brightly colored birds are a favorite among birdwatchers.

  4. Boykin Spaniel – South Carolina’s official state dog, originally bred for hunting in the Lowcountry’s swampy terrain, reflects Charleston's outdoor heritage.

  5. Wading and Shore Birds – Charleston’s marshes are home to distinctive birds like the Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, and Eastern Willet, which attract birdwatching enthusiasts to the area.

  6. Eastern Wild Turkey – Native to South Carolina’s forests and swamps, the Eastern Wild Turkey is a prized game animal and an important species in the Lowcountry’s hunting tradition.

  7. Carolina Anole – Commonly seen in Charleston’s gardens and parks, this lizard, known as the “American chameleon” for its color-changing abilities, adds charm to the region’s wildlife.

Charleston Today

  1. Spoleto Festival: One of America's major performing arts festivals, held annually since 1977.

  2. Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE): An annual event held in February that celebrates wildlife and nature through exhibits, artwork, and demonstrations, focusing on conservation and outdoor activities.

  3. Fashion Hub: Charleston Fashion Week has become a significant southeastern fashion event.

  4. Farm-to-Table Pioneer: Blending its historic Lowcountry cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and modern culinary techniques. This movement emphasizes a strong connection between Charleston chefs and local farmers, fishermen, and producers, ensuring seasonal ingredients are central to each dish. Charleston’s culinary tradition, deeply rooted in African, French, and Caribbean influences, is brought to life through this approach, focusing on ingredients like Carolina Gold rice, local seafood, and native produce such as okra, collard greens, and tomatoes.

  5. Movie Backdrop: Charleston's historic district has appeared in countless films and TV shows, from Southern Charm, The Notebook, The Patriot, Cold Mountain, Forrest Gump, The Righteous Gemstones, Outer Banks, North and South, and Army Wives

  6. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum: Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is home to a fleet of historic vessels, including the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore maritime history through various exhibits and tours, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It serves as a memorial to the men and women who served in the U.S. Navy and highlights the maritime heritage of the Charleston area.

  1. Blessing of the Fleet: Established in 1988, Charleston’s Blessing of the Fleet honors the local shrimping industry with a special springtime ceremony in Mount Pleasant. Each year, shrimp boats are blessed for a safe and abundant season, and the community celebrates with seafood, live music, and festivities that highlight Charleston’s maritime heritage.

  2. The Port of Charleston in South Carolina is over 200 acres in size and is one of the top 10 container ports in the United States.

  3. Charleston consistently ranks among the top vacation destinations in the United States, often appearing in the top 10 lists due to its rich history, charming architecture, culinary scene, and vibrant culture.

Charleston Treasures Hunt: A Historic Scavenger Adventure

Here’s a list of details that make Charleston a uniquely historic city.
Discover everything from grand buildings to hidden architectural gems — fascinating features, big and small, that together tell the story of Charleston’s rich past and vibrant character.

Aiken-Rhett House

Battery Cannon

Boot Scraper

Bottlenose Dolphin

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Charleston Rice Spoon

Charleston Single

Citadel Cadet

Cobblestone Road

Dependency

Double Staircase

Earthquake Bolt

Edmondston-Alston House

Four Corners of Law

Gas Lantern

Gazebo (White Point Garden)

George Washington Statue

Haint Blue Ceiling

Heyward-Washington House

Historic Charleston Foundation Plaque

Hitching Posts

Hospitality Door

Joggling Board

King Street Clock

Live Oak with Spanish Moss

Magnolia Wreath

Mounting Blocks or Carriage Steps

Nathaniel Russell House

Old Street Sign on a Building Wall

Oldest Liquor Store

Oyster Concrete (Tabby)

Pineapple Door Knocker

Rainbow Row Houses

Secret Alleyway

Secret Garden Gate

St. Michael’s Bells

Sweetgrass Basket Stand

The Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon

Wrought Iron Fence with Filigree