Charleston

Palm tree-lined cobblestone streets welcome visitors to Charleston; a city famous for its history, culture and charm. Surrounded by water on three of its four sides, Charleston is one of the most delightful spots of the South. Quickly, one notices the absence of skyscrapers common to modern metropolitan areas. Instead, old, renovated and restored buildings house famous shops and corporate offices. The city of Charleston is steeped in tradition, history and wonderful culture.  Local real estate offers many luxury Charleston waterfront properties, golf communities in Charleston close to the ocean, new construction and beautiful historic homes.

History of Charleston

Charleston was founded in 1670 by colonists from England. Supported by the surrounding rice, cotton, and indigo plantations, Charleston was a key trading port until the dawn of the Civil War. In April 1861, Confederates from Ft. Johnson fired on Union troops protecting Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, and began the War between the States. The four years of war dampened trade and devastated the Charleston economy. Little money was left in the city for change or progress. As a result, Charlestonians were forced to reuse the vast inventory of buildings they already possessed instead of replacing them with newer structures. Consequently, the historic look and feel was preserved in the city.

After the war, Charleston began to depend less on agriculture capital and instead turned to trade and industry. In 1904, the Naval Yard was constructed slightly north of Charleston, and the economy began to bounce back. During the 1900s the major sources of capital for Charleston were the Navy Yard, medical complex, College of Charleston, and growing tourism. The economy of Charleston started to rise and once again Charleston became the cultural capital of the South.

Charleston saw the first of many things in the South

• The first science museum in the country was founded in Charleston in 1735.
• The Gazette was the South's first newspaper, established in 1732 in Charleston.
• The South's oldest library was established in Charleston in 1748.
• The Dock Street Theatre was the first building constructed for theatrical productions in the nation (opened in 1735).

Charleston Today

Today, Charleston is close to a living museum of culture. Visitors can experience tours of 18^th century homes like the Aiken-Rhett House, the Edmondston-Alston House, and the Nathaniel Russell House during their stay in Charleston. In addition, many enjoy places such as the Battery, Waterfront Park, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, the Gibbes Museum, the Charleston Museum, not to mention the magnificent churches and art galleries.

"Charleston is the 9th " Top City in the United States and Canada," according to Travel & Leisure magazine's 6th annual 2002 "World's Best Awards" readers' poll. For the past nine years Charleston has consistently ranked among the top 10 domestic travel destinations by Condé Nast Traveler magazine's prestigious Readers Choice Awards. For the 4th year in a row, Family Fun magazine has honored the Charleston area for its family attractions. In its annual "Family Friendly Travel Awards," magazine readers named Charleston the 3rd best city for family vacations in the southeast. Southern Living readers again honored Charleston with 4 awards in the magazine's annual "Readers' Choice Awards" - Dream Getaway, Historic Site, Romantic Getaway, and Weekend Getaway."

The surrounding areas of Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Daniel Island, the Charleston Beaches and West Ashley offer a wide array of housing to meet differing lifestyles and needs.  Come and see why everyone loves Charleston, South Carolina!

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