Est. 1670
Charleston's History
Three and a half centuries of American history — from a walled colonial outpost to one of the most beautifully preserved cities in the nation.
1670
Founding of Charles Town
English settlers arriving from Barbados established Charles Town at Albemarle Point — the first major English settlement south of Virginia. Named for King Charles II, the colony was built on the promise of religious tolerance and trade.
1680s
The Walled City
Charles Town relocated to its current peninsula location and became one of the only walled cities in British North America. A fortification of brick and earth protected the young settlement from Spanish and French incursions.
1776
Revolution & Victory
Charles Town patriots repelled a British naval assault at the Battle of Sullivan's Island — a pivotal early victory. The palmetto log fort absorbed British cannon fire, giving South Carolina its state tree and the nickname "The Palmetto State."
1780
The Siege
After a 40-day siege, the British captured Charles Town — the largest American city to fall during the Revolution. The occupation lasted over two years before the city was liberated in 1782, and the British evacuated in December 1783.
1800s
The Golden Age
Charleston became one of America's wealthiest cities, fueled by rice, indigo, and cotton. The city's grand single houses, wrought-iron gates, and antebellum mansions were built during this era of prosperity — many still standing today.
1861
The First Shot
On April 12, 1861, Confederate artillery fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor — the first shots of the American Civil War. The city became a symbol of the conflict and endured a long blockade and bombardment.
1886
The Great Earthquake
A devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Charleston, damaging nearly every building in the city. The rebuilding effort introduced earthquake-resistant construction techniques still visible in the city's historic architecture today.
1931
Preservation Pioneers
Charleston established the first historic zoning ordinance in the United States, creating the Board of Architectural Review. This pioneering act of preservation saved the city's historic core and became a model for the nation.
Today
A Living Legacy
Charleston is consistently named America's #1 city by Travel + Leisure readers. Its 2,800+ historic buildings, living Gullah culture, world-class dining, and vibrant arts scene make it one of the most beloved destinations in the world.
An Architectural Treasure
Charleston's streetscapes are a living museum of American architecture — Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian styles line the peninsula in remarkable density. The city's signature "single house" — one room wide with a side piazza — was designed to capture the Lowcountry's cooling breezes, a practical response to subtropical heat that became an enduring architectural icon.
Single Houses
Charleston's iconic narrow-front homes with side piazzas, designed for airflow.
Rainbow Row
Thirteen Georgian row houses in pastel hues — one of the most photographed streets in America.
The Battery
Grand antebellum mansions overlooking the harbor, once the city's defensive seawall.
Live Among the History
Charleston's historic neighborhoods offer the rare chance to own a piece of American history. Explore the communities where the past meets the present.
Explore Historic Communities