CHARLESTON

Charleston is the oldest and most populous city in South Carolina, founded in 1670. Located on a peninsula where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean, it is famous for its pastel colored historic homes, cobblestone streets, rich colonial history, and world-class Lowcountry cuisine. [1, 2, 3, 4]

History and Culture

• Founded as Charles Town in 1670 by English settlers and renamed Charleston in 1783.

• The Holy City nickname comes from a skyline filled with historic church steeples.

• Home to America's firsts, including the oldest permanent playhouse (Dock Street Theatre) and the first museum (The Charleston Museum). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Top Landmarks

• Rainbow Row: A famous row of colorful historic Georgian townhouses on East Bay Street.

• The Battery & White Point Garden: A defensive seawall and promenade showcasing grand mansions and harbor views.

• Waterfront Park: Home to the iconic Pineapple Fountain overlooking the Cooper River.

• Fort Sumter: The island fort where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]