AfricanAmerican

Sites and History

Charleston is a city steeped in history and culture. While the city’s vast historical sites reflect its deep roots going back centuries to the first settlement of English Colonists, it also carries a much darker past that cannot be overlooked when exploring this coastal town. One way to better understand this history is to visit some of the many landmark locations dedicated to preserving African American heritage and experiences throughout Charleston. Here are our top picks for places to explore African-American sites in Charleston.

International African-American Museum

14 Wharfside St, Charleston: Just opened in June 2023, this monumental museum showcases the rich history, culture and contributions of African Americans in the United States of America. Located on Gadsden’s Wharf, a historic spot on the harbor where thousands of enslaved Africans first set foot in America during the transatlantic slave trade. The immersive exhibitions feature artifacts, art, photography, documents, and interactive multimedia displays focusing on the lives of the enslaved individuals, their culture, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Old Slave Mart Museum

6 Chalmers St, Charleston: This museum focuses on the Domestic Slave Trade of Charleston from 1856-1863. Exhibits and

Charleston Area Plantations

Charleston’s area Plantations enslaved AfricanAmericans to complete labor intensive field work such as rice, indigo, cotton, general farming, housework and phosphorus mining operations. Today, the Plantations listed below have educational experiences such as exhibitions, experiences and artifacts that honor these individuals.

Boone Hall Plantation

1235 Longpoint Rd, Mount Pleasant

Included with admission is the Unique oneof-a-kind “Exploring The Gullah Culture” live presentations and Black History In America Exhibit on display in nine original slave dwellings.

Drayton Hall

3380 Ashley River Rd, Charleston

Included with admission is access to the A Sacred Place: African American Cemetery and the Caretaker’s House.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston Included with admission is their guided Slavery to Freedom Tour which takes visitors through four restored Slave cabins.

McLeod Plantation

325 Country Club Dr, Charleston

Included with admission are guided interpretive tours offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Guides present themed tours that include Gullah/Geechee culture, and organized and individual resistance to slavery and its legacy.

Middleton Place

4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston

Daily guided garden tours, historic heritage animals, and the“Beyond the Fields: Enslavement at Middleton Place” program is included in general admission.