The Greatest Stories Never Told

By Renée S. Gordon History & Travel Writer

Each state has a unique story, but none more internationally impactful than South Carolina. Theirs is a tale that begins with the establishment of the colony and has resonated throughout the centuries and the legacy of enslavement has been entwined throughout the culture in both overt and covert ways. This history that often makes people uncomfortable, but is necessary none the less, to relate a “round unvarnished tale.” The best way to understand South Carolina’s story is to immerse yourself in the sounds, smells, soundtrack and sites of the area that are a blend of all cultures. @Discover_SC

Spanish explorers arrived in the South Carolina area in 1516. They were met by numerous bands of Native Americans, the largest being the Cherokee. In 1526 the Spanish started a settlement that failed almost immediately. They were followed in 1562 by the French Huguenots. English colonists founded the port City of Charleston in 1670 and it was named Charles Town in honor of England’s King Charles II. In 1690 the first shipment of black slaves arrived from Barbados and the systems and laws used to control institutional slavery were based on the Barbados model.

The long awaited International African American Museum (IAAM) opened on Gadsdens’ Wharf, a historic site of trauma and modern reconciliation. Now home to an international museum it was the point of arrival for an estimated 45% of the United States enslaved Africans. The museum is creatively designed to reflect all aspects of these experiences. A comprehensive tour begins on the exterior.

The building looms 13-ft. above the wharf and the African Ancestors Memorial Garden. The structure is suspended by 18 cylindrical pillars covered in oyster shell tabby, representing an important building material in the colonial era. Additional heritage elements in the garden include a wall of slave tags and sea grass garden of the type used in weaving baskets. In the East Yard an outline of the slave house that was there at the time can be seen. The house was used to quarantine the captives. The approximately 700 individuals who died there are memorialized with carved sculptures in the house.

The iconic display, The Tide Tribute, is based upon a diagram of the Brookes slave ship. Based on the tide the water of the wharf reveals etched figures of the enslaved forever held beneath the surface. The rim of the wharf, dividing the land from the water, is inscribed with the names of the African nations from which the captives originated. Inside the museum on two sides of the exterior it is possible for visitors to see the Charleston Harbor.

An interior tour reveals 12 permanent exhibits inclusive of 9 galleries and a Special Exhibitions Gallery. There are Google digital exhibitions, 150 historical artifacts, 30 artworks and 50 films. The opening exhibit recounts the basic story of the African American diaspora. The Center for Family History is available to visitors for genealogical study. Slaveorigins.org

A stellar highlight of the museum’s Atlantic Worlds Gallery is the first public North American installation of a state-of-the-art Crystal LED display. The 32-foot wide by 7-foot display allows visitors to more closely examine artifacts and history as an immersive experience. #IAAM

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton is an ideal lodging while exploring the city. The 4-star hotel offers all the standard amenities including Wi-Fi, parking, 24-hour lobby reception desk and Iron Rose Restaurant. The hotel was opened by a grain merchant in 1853 and quickly became renowned for its location, cuisine and elegant architecture. It continues to be a city landmark.

39 Rue de Jean is a French Cafe and Bar modeled after an 1800s Brasserie. Choices of cuisine are the province of the 2023 Discover South Carolina Chef Ambassador, Marcus Shell. Dine on Parisian-inspired dishes with creative selections of custom cocktails, curated wine lists and carefully chosen beers.

The Daily is a Charleston staple. It prides itself on providing healthy and delicious food using fresh ingredients. The Daily offers outstanding breakfast items with all the ambiance of home. Remember to try one of their renowned breakfast smoothies.

The Aiken-Rhett House is one of the best-preserved ante-bellum townhouses in the country. Constructed in the 1820s and expanded in the 1830sand 1850s the house was maintained by the enslaved. Today the complex includes the house and exterior kitchen, original slave quarters and carriage house. Documents have revealed the names of 14 enslaved workers. After Emancipation 2 of the 14 chose to continue working there until their deaths. Site-based archeological excavations have yielded more than 10,000 artifacts.

The Historic Charleston City Market is Charleston’s #1 Attraction and it is absolutely the best place to purchase handcrafted souvenirs and gifts. The 4-block-long market dates from 1790. Here you can find Corey Alston with All Things Gullah. His family is a stellar example of keepers of a heritage craft tradition. He is a 5th generation weaver and a direct descendent of a Gullah Geechee family. His authentic sweetgrass baskets are on display in the Smithsonian Museum of Art and may be commissioned. He is located in the entrance on Meeting Street.

Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is a great place to end this tour. Rodney Scott’s respects the art of barbecuing and the history and heritage that has made it what it is. He understands the craft of using hardwood, coal direct heat, glowing embers, temperature and technique to create a tasteful and traditional whole hog barbecue. The sides are equally delicious.