Historical Things To Do In Charleston Sc

Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful city full of life and culture. It is the oldest city in the state and has a rich history spanning over 300 years. From its cobblestone streets to its historic architecture, Charleston offers a unique experience for any visitor. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for the hundredth time, there are plenty of historical things to do in Charleston for everyone.

A Brief History of Charleston

Charleston was founded in 1670 by English colonists from Barbados. It quickly became an important port city, and by the 18th century it was the fourth largest city in North America. The city saw a period of growth and prosperity during the Revolutionary War, when it was the base of operations for the British army. The Civil War brought great destruction to the city, but it was quickly rebuilt and has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

Today, Charleston is home to over 120,000 people and is one of the most visited cities in the country. It has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a variety of galleries, performance venues, and museums. It is also home to many historic sites, including Fort Sumter National Monument, which is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Historical Sites

Charleston is full of historical sites that you can explore on your visit. A great place to start is the Charleston Museum, which houses artifacts from both pre- and post-Columbian eras. The museum also features exhibits on African culture and history, as well as maritime history. You can also visit Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, a former plantation estate that has been open to the public since 1870. Here you can learn about the antebellum south and view some of the gardens that have been lovingly maintained for over 150 years.

If you’re looking to explore some of the city’s more recent history, you can visit Fort Moultrie, a Revolutionary War fort located on Sullivan’s Island. This fort was an important site during both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War and is now a National Monument. You can tour the fort and learn about its history from knowledgeable guides.

Historic Homes & Museums

One of the best ways to experience Charleston’s rich history is to visit some of its historic homes and museums. The Nathaniel Russell House is one of the best-preserved homes in the city and was built in 1808 by a wealthy merchant. You can tour the home and learn about its original inhabitants, as well as its architectural features.

The Aiken-Rhett House is another historic home that is open to visitors. It was built in 1820 by John Aiken and was once the home of Governor William Aiken Jr., who served two terms as the state’s governor during Reconstruction. The house is now a museum that has been painstakingly restored to its original grandeur and showcases artifacts from the 19th century.

The Old City Market is another popular destination for tourists visiting Charleston. This open-air market dates back to 1804 and is one of the oldest markets in the country. Here you can find a variety of crafts, food, and souvenirs from local artisans. You can also take a walking tour of the market and learn about its history from knowledgeable guides.

Historic Walking Tours

If you’d like to explore Charleston on foot, there are plenty of historical walking tours available. One popular tour is the Charleston Tea Plantation Tour, which takes you through the city’s colonial-era tea plantations. You’ll learn about how tea was grown in Charleston during colonial times and experience some of the city’s most beautiful gardens.

Another popular tour is the Historic Charleston Walking Tour, which takes you through some of Charleston’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll learn about the history of each neighborhood as well as some fun facts about their architecture and culture. This tour also includes stops at some of Charleston’s most iconic sites, including Rainbow Row and White Point Garden.

Finally, you can take a guided tour of Fort Sumter National Monument. This site is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired and has been preserved as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the conflict. On this tour, you’ll learn about Fort Sumter’s significant role in American history and get an up-close view of some of its most interesting features.

Book an Example Tour on Viator

If you’re looking to get an in-depth experience of Charleston’s history, you can book an example tour on Viator, one of the world’s leading online tour booking services. Viator offers a variety of tours in Charleston that will give you an up-close look at some of its most historic sites. You can take a private walking tour through downtown Charleston to explore its cobblestone streets or a guided tour of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens that will teach you about its role in antebellum south. With Viator, you can book these tours with ease and get an unforgettable experience of the city’s history.

Book an Example Tour on GetYourGuide

Another great option for booking tours in Charleston is GetYourGuide, an online tour booking service that offers a variety of experiences around the world. GetYourGuide offers a variety of tours in Charleston that are designed to give you an intimate look into its vibrant culture and history. One popular tour that GetYourGuide offers is a guided walking tour through downtown Charleston that will take you through some of its most iconic sites, such as Rainbow Row and White Point Garden. You can also book a private tour that will take you to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens so that you can explore its gardens and learn about its role in antebellum south. With GetYourGuide, you can be sure to get an unforgettable experience of Charleston’s rich culture and history.

Conclusion

Charleston has a wealth of history that visitors are sure to love exploring. From historic sites like Fort Sumter National Monument to beautiful homes like Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, there are plenty of things to see and do in Charleston that will give you an up-close look at its past. You can also book example tours through Viator or GetYourGuide for an immersive experience that will give you a unique view into Charleston’s long history. No matter what activity you choose to do, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city full of life and culture.