Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the biggest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is located south of the middle of South Carolina's coastline on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. The city had a population of 150,227 at the 2020 census, and the Charleston metropolitan area has about 870,000 residents.

Charleston was founded by the English in 1670 as Charles Town, named after King Charles II. The settlement moved to its present location in 1680 and grew quickly. During its early years, many enslaved Africans arrived there.

Today, Charleston's economy is supported by tourism, a busy port, aerospace, and technology. The city is famous for its well-preserved buildings, historic sites, and rich Gullah culture. Popular spots include the historic City Market, Fort Sumter National Monument, and beautiful streets like the Battery and Rainbow Row.

History

Main article: History of Charleston, South Carolina

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Charleston, South Carolina.

Native American settlement

The Cusabo people (including sub tribes such as Kiawah) and the Ittiwan people lived in the area before settlers arrived. They were called "Settlement Indians" by colonists.

Colonial era (1670–1776)

King Charles II gave the Province of Carolina to eight friends, the Lords Proprietors, in 1663. Later that year, people from Barbados tried to start a settlement on the Cape Fear River, building what would become Charles Towne, North Carolina. This settlement did not last long, and most people returned to Barbados. In 1670, Governor William Sayle brought settlers from Bermuda and Barbados to create Charles Town at Albemarle Point. This was the first planned town in the Thirteen Colonies. Because the Carolina's Fundamental Constitutions were never approved, Charles Town was not officially a city during this time. Instead, local rules were made by the government, with daily tasks handled by leaders of St Philip's and St Michael's Anglican parishes.

At first, the area was home to the Cusabo people. The settlers fought them in 1671. The settlers worked with another group, the Westo, at first but later switched to working with the Cusabo.

The first settlement shrank and disappeared, but a new village on Oyster Point, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet, grew. In 1680, this new settlement replaced the old Charles Town. This spot was easier to defend and had a good harbor. By 1690, it was the fifth-largest town in North America.

A smallpox outbreak happened in 1698, followed by an earthquake in 1699 that caused a fire and destroyed part of the town. During rebuilding, a yellow fever outbreak made many people sick. Charles Town was seen as an unhealthy place for many people from Europe. Malaria was common and made people very ill for much of the city's early history.

The town was fortified in 1704 under Governor Nathaniel Johnson. Spain and France argued against Britain's control of the area. Native Americans and pirates sometimes attacked it.

A strong hurricane hit Charles Town on September 5–6, 1713. The Circular Congregational Church was damaged, and many records were lost. Much of the town flooded, and about seventy people died.

From the 1670s, pirates visited Charleston. The city was popular with pirates because of weak government and corruption. The pirate Blackbeard besieged Charles Town in 1718 but left after getting medicine from Governor Robert Johnson.

Around 1719, the town's name started being written as Charlestown. It was an important place for settling South Carolina. People from Europe, Barbados, and Bermuda came to live there. Many brought enslaved Africans with them.

Early groups included the Huguenots, Scottish, Irish, and Germans, as well as hundreds of Jews from London and the Dutch Republic.

By 1708, most of the colony's people were Black Africans, brought to Charlestown through the Atlantic slave trade. Enslaved people were sold here. Many enslaved people came from the West Indies.

In 1767, Gadsden's Wharf was built at the city port. Many enslaved people were sold from here. South Carolina became dependent on enslaved labor for its economy.

The early economy was based on pine timber, pitch, ships, and tobacco. Trade in deerskin was important, with help from the Cherokee and Creek peoples.

Native Americans sometimes took people as captives in wars. From 1680 to 1720, about 40,000 Native Americans were sold through the port to the West Indies and other places. The proceeds were used to buy enslaved Black Africans for plantations.

The area was not good for growing tobacco, so Lowcountry planters tried other cash crops. Growing rice became profitable, and enslaved people with knowledge of rice farming were highly valued. This led to the culture of the Gullah people.

Enslaved people were sold on arriving ships or at informal gatherings. Fearing slave rebellions, laws were passed in 1739, such as the 1739 Security Act. The Stono Rebellion in 1739 led to more strict rules for enslaved people.

By the mid-1700s, Charlestown was a major center of the Atlantic slave trade in the Southern Colonies. It was the wealthiest city in the Thirteen Colonies and the largest south of Philadelphia.

The elite used their wealth to support cultural activities. America's first theater was built in 1736. St Michael's was built in 1753. Benevolent societies were formed by the Huguenots, free people of color, Germans, and Jews. The Library Society was founded in 1748.

American Revolution (1776–1783)

Further information: American Revolution and American Revolutionary War

Delegates for the Continental Congress were chosen in 1774, and South Carolina declared independence from Britain in 1776 at the Exchange. Slavery played a role in the city's part in the Revolutionary War. The British attacked three times, thinking there were many Loyalists who would support them. However, white Southerners had turned against the Crown because of British actions, though some Black Loyalists did support the British.

The Battle of Sullivan's Island happened on June 28, 1776, when British forces failed to capture a fort from Col. Moultrie's militia regiment. The Liberty Flag used there later became the basis of the South Carolina flag.

The British made capturing Charlestown their main goal. They siege to Charleston began on April 1, 1780, led by Sir Henry Clinton. After cutting off supplies and escape routes, the Patriots, led by Benjamin Lincoln, surrendered on May 12, 1780. This was the biggest American defeat of the war.

The British kept Charlestown for over a year after losing at Yorktown in 1781. However, they lost support from local planters by not restoring government. Nathanael Greene kept the area under siege. The British finally left Charlestown in December 1782.

Antebellum era (1783–1861)

Between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, Charleston grew wealthy, especially for the top level of society. Expanding cotton farming brought great wealth to a few and funded new buildings and culture. But it also increased the importance of enslaved labor and led to more restrictions on Black Charlestonians.

In 1783, Charleston became an official city. By 1800, thanks to the cotton gin invented by Eli Whitney, Charleston grew even richer as Britain's Industrial Revolution created huge demand for cotton.

The Bank of South Carolina was established in 1798. Branches of the First and Second banks opened in Charleston in 1800 and 1817.

Charleston remained a city where most people were enslaved. Enslaved people were widely used as workers, and this was often noted by visitors. Although the U.S. banned the Atlantic slave trade in 1808, smuggling continued. The domestic slave trade grew, with many enslaved people being moved from the Upper South to the Deep South. Charleston became a key port for this trade.

Enslaving people was tied to social class. Even free people of color often enslaved others if they could. Laws tightly controlled the behavior of both enslaved and free Black people. Punishment was severe.

The effects of slavery were clear in white society as well. The wealth from slavery created an oligarchic society where a few families controlled most of the city's wealth. The white middle class was small, and many non-enslavers were poor.

In the 1810s, Charleston's churches began treating their Black members unfairly. In 1817, Black Methodists built a new church, which later became Mother Emanuel. Laws limited Black worship and education.

In 1822, a group led by Denmark Vesey, who had won his freedom, planned an uprising to escape to Haiti. The plan was discovered, and many were punished. More restrictions were placed on Black people.

The Charleston Fire Scare of 1826 involved several fires set over months. The white population feared slaves or Free Blacks were responsible. Some were almost attacked.

Charleston's shipping grew, and by 1829, its registered ships totaled 12,410 tons. In 1832, South Carolina tried to nullify a federal tariff, leading to a standoff with U.S. forces.

A major fire in 1838 destroyed over 1000 buildings. Many were rebuilt in the Greek Revival style, making Charleston famous for its architecture.

By 1840, the Market Hall and Sheds became a busy center for trade. The slave trade also relied on Charleston's port.

American Civil War (1861–1865)

Main article: Charleston in the American Civil War

Charleston played a key role in the American Civil War. The war began in Charleston Harbor in 1861 and ended there in 1865.

After Abraham Lincoln was elected, South Carolina voted to secession on December 20, 1860, the first state to do so. On January 9, 1861, cadets fired on the USS Star of the West as it tried to reach Charleston Harbor.

The first battle of the war happened on April 12, 1861, when batteries under General P. G. T. Beauregard attacked Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. After a long bombardment, Major Robert Anderson surrendered the fort.

A large fire burned over 500 acres of the city on December 11, 1861.

U.S. Navy control of the Atlantic coast led to repeated attacks on the city. The U.S. Navy's blockade stopped most trade. Some blockade runners got through, but none entered or left Charleston Harbor between August 1863 and March 1864. The submarine H.L. Hunley attacked the USS Housatonic on February 17, 1864.

General Gillmore's attack in July 1864 failed, but the fall of Columbia and advance of General William T. Sherman's army forced the Confederates to leave Charleston on February 17, 1865, burning buildings and supplies. U.S. soldiers took the city soon after. The War Department took over the Citadel Military Academy and used it as a garrison until 1882.

Postbellum (1865–1945)

Reconstruction

After the Confederacy fell, U.S. soldiers stayed in Charleston during the Reconstruction era. The war ruined the city's economy. The Black population grew as freed people moved from the countryside to the city. Blacks left the Southern Baptist Church and held open meetings in AME and AME Zion churches. They bought items once banned and no longer stepped aside for whites. Many free people of color, some educated and skilled, became leaders in South Carolina's Republican Party.

The Pacific Guano Company opened a plant in Charleston in 1861, processing menhaden scrap. By the late 1870s, new industries brought jobs and growth. New institutions were created, like the Avery Normal Institute in 1865, the first free high school for Black students.

In 1875, Blacks made up 57% of the city's population and 73% of the county's. Despite violent incidents in 1876, Charleston's Black community defended itself without large-scale white backlash.

Politics

In the early 1900s, strong political groups formed in the city, reflecting tensions over class, race, and ethnicity. These groups gave voters clear choices and influenced state politics.

1886 earthquake

Main article: 1886 Charleston earthquake

On August 31, 1886, Charleston was hit by a strong earthquake. It was felt from Boston to New Orleans and even Cuba. About 2,000 buildings were damaged, causing $6 million in damage.

Charleston race riots

Main article: Charleston riot of 1919

On May 10, 1919, a riot broke out between U.S. Navy members and the local Black community. Six people were killed and many were injured.

Contemporary era (1945–present)

Charleston struggled economically for decades in the 20th century, but military bases helped. Tourism grew after the book Architecture of Charleston was published in the 1920s.

The Charleston Hospital Strike in 1969 saw Black workers protesting unfair treatment. Leaders of the civil rights movement joined them.

Joseph P. Riley Jr. became mayor in the 1970s and supported the city's culture.

Between 1989 and 1996, Charleston faced two big challenges. Hurricane Hugo hit in 1989, damaging many homes. The city recovered quickly. In 1993, Naval Base Charleston was closed, though some activities continued at Naval Support Activity Charleston.

After years as a city where Black people were the majority, many white people moved back into the city center, leading to higher prices and rents. From 1980 to 2010, the city's population shifted from mostly Black to mostly white.

On June 17, 2015, a 21-year-old man entered Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church and killed nine people during a Bible study. The victims were all African American. The event drew national attention and discussions about racism and gun violence.

Condemnation of role in the slave trade

On June 17, 2018, the Charleston City Council apologized for the city's role in the slave trade and condemned its history.

Geography

Charleston has six main districts. Downtown, also called "The Peninsula", is the center of the city, bordered by the Ashley River on one side and the Cooper River on the other. West Ashley is a residential area west of Downtown, bordered by the Ashley River and the Stono River. Johns Island is far to the west, bordered by the Stono River, Kiawah River, and Wadmalaw Island. James Island is a popular place to live between Downtown and Folly Beach. The Cainhoy Peninsula is far to the east, bordered by the Wando River and Nowell Creek. Daniel Island is a residential area north of downtown, between the Cooper River and the Wando River.

The city of Charleston used to be very small, covering just 4 to 5 square miles before World War I. Since then, it has grown across the Ashley River to include James Island and parts of Johns Island. It has also expanded across the Cooper River to include Daniel Island and the Cainhoy area. Today, the city covers 135.51 square miles, with 115.03 square miles of land and 20.48 square miles of water.

Charleston has a humid subtropical climate, meaning it has mild winters, hot and humid summers, and rain throughout the year. Summer is the rainiest season, with many thunderstorms. Winter is short and mild, with very little snow. The city's downtown area has milder winters than the airport because it is closer to the water.

The Charleston area includes three counties: Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester. In 2023, about 849,417 people lived in this area. North Charleston is the second-largest city in the area, followed by Mount Pleasant and Summerville.

Demographics

Charleston, South Carolina, had a population of 150,227 as of the 2020 census. People there are of many different ages, with the median age being 35.7 years. Many live in urban areas, and there are households with children and many types of families.

Charleston has a rich history of language and culture. Some African-American residents still speak Gullah, a special language with roots in the area's history. The city is also known for its unique accent, especially among older residents. Charleston is often called "the Holy City" because of its many historic churches and religious buildings.

Culture

Charleston's culture mixes Southern U.S., English, French, and West African traditions. Downtown has many places for art, music, food, and fashion. The Spoleto Festival USA, held every spring, began in 1977 by composer Gian Carlo Menotti. It is like a big festival in Spoleto, Italy.

Charleston's oldest theater group, the Footlight Players, has performed since 1931. There are many places for performing arts, including the historic Dock Street Theatre. Each spring, Charleston Fashion Week brings designers to Marion Square.

Cuisine

Charleston's food comes from British, French, and Gullah traditions. Popular dishes include shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, fried oysters, and red rice. Local seafood like oysters, blue crab, shrimp, and black sea bass is common. Gullah cooking uses foods like okra and benne seeds. Today, Charleston is known for its great restaurants.

Annual cultural events and fairs

Charleston has many yearly events. The Spoleto Festival USA is a 17-day festival with over 100 shows. The Piccolo Spoleto festival happens at the same time with local artists. Other events include the Taste of Charleston, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, the Cooper River Bridge Run, the Charleston Marathon, and more.

Music

The Gullah community helped shape Charleston's music, especially early jazz. The music of dock workers inspired popular songs and dances in the 1920s. The Jenkins Orphanage, started in 1891, taught music to children, and many became famous musicians. The band played for presidents and in Broadway shows.

Live theater

Charleston has a busy theater scene. Dock Street Theatre, opened in the 1930s, is home to the Charleston Stage Company. Queen Street Playhouse, turned into a theater in 1986, is where the Footlight Players perform. Sottile Theater is on the College of Charleston campus.

Museums, historical sites, and other attractions

Charleston has many historic buildings and museums. The Avery Research Center focuses on African American history. The Battery is a historic seawall with gardens. The Calhoun Mansion is a large Victorian home. The Charleston Museum is America's first museum. Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, is in Charleston Harbor. The South Carolina Aquarium shows local aquatic life. Waterfront Park is along the Cooper River.

Sports

Charleston has several sports teams. The Charleston RiverDogs are a Minor League Baseball team. The Charleston Battery is a professional soccer team. The South Carolina Stingrays play hockey. The Credit One Charleston Open is a tennis event. There are also rugby, roller derby, and Gaelic sports teams. Popular venues include Johnson Hagood Stadium and Toronto Dominion Bank Arena.

Books and films

Many books and movies are set in or filmed in Charleston. These include Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin, the North and South series by John Jakes, and films like Glory and Swamp Thing.

Economy

See also: Economy of South Carolina

Charleston's economy is strong in commercial shipping. The city has two shipping terminals. These terminals make Charleston one of the biggest ports on the East Coast and in the United States. The port helps move cars and car parts for companies like Mercedes and Volvo.

Charleston is also growing as a place for high tech and new ideas. This growth is helped by the Charleston Digital Corridor. Some big companies in Charleston include Blackbaud, Greystar Real Estate Partners, Evening Post Industries, Le Creuset, and others.

Top employers

As of the city's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Charleston metropolitan area's top employers are:

Government

Charleston has a mayor–council government. The mayor is the city's main leader and leads the city council meetings. The council has 12 members who are elected from different parts of the city.

The city has its own fire department with many firefighters. They work in stations across Charleston and help keep the city safe.

Charleston's police department is the largest in South Carolina, with many officers and staff working to protect the city. The city also has emergency medical services and several major hospitals, making it an important place for healthcare in the state.

The Coast Guard Station Charleston helps with safety at sea and works on many important missions. Plans were announced to build a large new base for the Coast Guard, and construction began in 2024.

Crime

The following table shows Charleston's crime rate for six crimes. It helps us see how safe the city is compared to the country. The numbers tell us how many crimes happen for every 100,000 people. Since 1999, the overall crime rate in Charleston has gone down a lot. In 1999, there were 597.1 crimes for every 100,000 people, but by 2011, this number dropped to 236.4 per 100,000.

Transportation

Airport and rail

Charleston has an airport called the Charleston International Airport. It is in North Charleston, about 12 miles from downtown. This airport is the busiest in South Carolina and shares runways with a nearby Air Force base. There is also a smaller airport on John's Island for private planes.

Charleston has two daily train trips with Amtrak, called The Palmetto and the Silver Meteor, stopping at a station in North Charleston.

Interstates and highways

Several major roads connect Charleston to other places. I-26 starts in downtown Charleston and goes northwest to North Charleston, the airport, and Columbia. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge links downtown with Mount Pleasant. Other important roads include I-526, which goes around the city, and several U.S. highways like US 17, US 52, and US 78.

Major highways

• I-26 (ends in Charleston)
• I-526
• US 17
• US 52 (ends in Charleston)
• US 78 (ends in Charleston)
• SC 7 (Sam Rittenberg Boulevard)
• SC 30 (James Island Expressway)
• SC 61 (St. Andrews Boulevard/Ashley River Road)
• SC 171 (Old Towne Road/Folly Road)
• SC 461 (Paul Cantrell Boulevard/Glenn McConnell Parkway)
• SC 700 (Maybank Highway)

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge opened in 2005. It is very long and has space for cars, pedestrians, and bicycles. It connects downtown Charleston with Mount Pleasant and replaced older bridges.

City bus service

Charleston has buses that help people get around. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority runs these buses, which stop at many places in the city. There are special buses for people who need help getting around, and plans for faster bus routes are in development.

Some buses serve the rural areas and are run by another group called the TriCounty Link.

Port

Main article: Port of Charleston

The Port of Charleston is one of the biggest ports in the United States. It has several terminals and handles many big ships. The port is very important for the city's economy. It has very deep water, which allows very large ships to come in. The port also has a place for cruise ships to dock.

Education

See also: List of schools in Charleston, South Carolina

Most of Charleston is in Charleston County and its schools are part of the Charleston County School District. Some parts of the city are in Berkeley County and have their own schools.

Charleston has many private schools, such as Porter-Gaud School, Charleston Collegiate School, and Ashley Hall. There are also special schools run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston, including some that prepare students for Bishop England High School.

The city has several colleges and universities, like the College of Charleston, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and the Medical University of South Carolina. Other schools include Charleston Southern University and Charleston School of Law. There is also a special college, the American College of the Building Arts, that focuses on building skills.

Media

Main article: Media in Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a smaller city for TV, ranking 89th in the United States. It has many TV stations that people in the area can watch. These stations include channels like NBC, CBS, PBS, Fox, and others.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, has been home to many famous people. They have helped in many areas like arts, sports, and public service. You can see a full list by visiting the link above.

Sister cities

Charleston has several sister cities around the world. These include Doha in Qatar, Freetown in Sierra Leone, Panama City in Panama, Speightstown in Barbados, Spoleto in Italy, and Flers in France.

The partnership with Spoleto began when a famous composer chose Charleston for a special festival. The city’s charm and historic places made it a great match.

Charleston also has a special bond with Panama City because both are historic port cities with rich histories.