Charleston, where everything from the cobblestones to the iron gates has a story to tell, holds more American history per square mile than almost any other city. Founded in 1670, this Southern gem witnessed the first shots of the Civil War, sheltered signers of the Declaration of Independence, and preserved centuries of architectural mastery through wars, fires, and hurricanes.
Here’s a curated collection of historic treasures that transform Charleston from simply beautiful into utterly unforgettable.
Fort Sumter
Built in 1829 and shelled by Confederate forces in 1861, Fort Sumter remains one of Charleston’s most famous architectural landmarks. It’s now a national park alongside Fort Moultrie, and both have ramparts to explore with impressive views of Charleston Harbor. The fort sits on an artificial island, accessible only by ferry.
Take a quick cruise to the fort, while admiring the beautiful scenes of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and the Waterfront Park. And keep your eyes open for dolphins during the boat ride.
Rainbow Row
The pastel perfection wasn’t always there. Most of these houses were constructed in the 18th century as merchant homes and shops. They were saved from disrepair in the 1930s when preservationist Dorothy Haskell Legge ingeniously decided to re-paint each home with distinctive colors…