History of Charleston

The charming and alluring air of Charleston is largely due to the collection of historic buildings that stand as evidence of the town’s colourful past. Set on the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper rivers, the strategic location of the town has ensured Charleston’s continuing growth and development.

Early days

English aristocrats were behind the emergence of Charleston, which was founded in 1670 as a business, money-making venture. Originally called Charles Towne, the settlement boomed as rice and cotton passed from the plantations to its port. As a port town, it attracted a mixed bunch of immigrants, all of whom brought with them their own traditions and languages, with Jews, slaves and Irish all setting foot in Charleston.

Slave market

The town become a thriving slave market, with as much as one third of the country’s African slaves passing through the port. The slave market, on the riverfront, attracted plantation owners from around the region, who came to choose their workforce.

Charlestown also had a reasonably large free black population, and a larger measure of racial openness than many other American settlements of that time. Racial tensions however came to a head in 1823, with the failed Veysey revolt, which resulted in the ruling white population building the Citadel as a safeguard against further uprisings.

Civil War

Charleston was devastated by the war, with Fort Sumter being heavily attacked by Union forces. Fire ravaged the town in 1861, and bombardment continued right through until 1865, when Union forces finally succeeded in taking the town.

Post-war depression and an economic crash were followed by a devastating earthquake in 1886. Many of the town’s inhabitants fled for wealthier upcountry destinations.

Renewed importance

WWII was responsible for a turn in Charleston’s fortunes, placing the town on the map again as a significant port and naval base. With the town’s economy boosted, the post-war years saw massive preservation projects swing into action, with many of Charleston’s historical houses and colonial sites being renovated.

Nowadays, the town thrives through tourism, with plenty of visitors arriving each year to soak up the genteel atmosphere and the rich colonial heritage. It has also become a popular winter escape for those from more northern climates, thanks to its mild winters.