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[ WELCOME ] to CHARLESTON
EACH YEAR MORE PEOPLE FLOCK TO THIS HISTORIC PORT CITY TO explore the history, culture and architecture and bask in Southern goodness. In recent years, Charleston has become a destination for shopping and its incredible culinary scene is attracting global attention.
From arts and theater to fine dining and watersports, this is one city that truly offers something for everyone. But the Holy City has a storied past. An early English settlement, Charleston has survived wars, fires, earthquakes and hurricanes to rise up as one of the country’s top travel destinations.
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As you’re visiting our beloved city, get acquainted with her history, celebrate her charms and delight in all the amazing beauty Charleston has to offer.
1670
English colonists settle Charles Town on the Ashley River
1718
Blackbeard the Pirate sails into Charles Town Harbor with four shiips; takes hostages for ransom
1740
Charles Town becomes most critical port in North America for exporting rice
1775-1783
Revolutionary War; Siege of Charleston in 1780
1718
Pirate Stede Bonnet is hanged at White Point 1680 Charles Town relocates to the peninsula; population 1,000
1736 Dock Street Theatre opens, first building in colonial America used exclusively for theatrical performances
1783
1791
President George Washington visits, lodging at what is now the HeywardWashington House and attends a reception at the Old Exchange and a social at McCrady’s Longroom
1770 College of Charleston founded
City renamed “Charleston”
1824
Charleston Museum opens to the public (founded in 1773)
1828-29
Young Army recruit named Edgar Allan Poe is stationed at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island
1920 Preservation Society Founded to protect historic resources
1864 H.L. Hunley sinks U.S.S. Housatonic in Charleston harbor
1989 Hurricane Hugo hits the city and surrounding areas with 135 mph winds
2023 International African American Museum scheduled to open
2016 Joseph P. Riley Jr. retires after 40 years as Charleston mayor
1861 Confederate troops fire the first shots of the Civil War upon Fort Sumter
1886 Major earthquake hits Charleston, damaging 2,000 buildings, killing 100 people
1977 Spoleto Festival USA begins
2006 Charleston Wine+Food Festival founded
2005 Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River opens
