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Charleston, SC
Best Historic Sites (Attractions & Activities)
(10 Overall Closest) |
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Aiken – Rhett House |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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48 Elizabeth St, Charleston 29401 • 843-723-1623 |
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Description:
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN. Although not built by him, this 19th-century structure was the residence of former SC governor, William Aiken, Jr. He and his wife furnished the home with the spoils of their trips to Europe, and the gracious estate is unusual in that it hasn't been restored to a pristine condition, as so many historic sites are. Instead, the home is preserved as it was when finished more than 150 years ago, although with the effects of time added in. Some furnishings remain, but shadows of the past remain for visitors to wonder about. A basement, various outbuildings, and slave quarters can also be viewed. Docents ably provide details about the estate. |
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Boone Hall Plantation |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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1235 Long Point Rd, Mount Pleasant 29465 • 843-884-4371 |
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Description:
MOUNT PLEASANT. The two most impressive sights at this plantation are the Avenue of Oaks, majestically lining the road to the plantation house, and the slave cabins, built in the 1790s and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The main house is a replica, built in the 1930s. The plantation hosts several major festivals throughout the year, including the Lowcountry Oyster Festival in February, the Scottish Games and Highland Gathering in September, Taste of Charleston in October, and a battle re-enactment in November. |
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Charles Towne Landing |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston 29407 • 843-852-4200 |
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Description:
Set on land where the Carolinas' first permanent British settlers made their home in 1670, this 80-acre park offers not only beautiful surroundings but a living history lesson. Found onsite are a zoo featuring animals these early settlers would have encountered, along with a replica sailing ship, an experimental garden, and a restored village. Along with these, you'll find picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, and beautiful regional plant life, including azaleas, camellias, and sprawling live oaks. |
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Charleston Museum |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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360 Meeting St, Charleston 29403 • 843-722-2996 |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. The oldest museum in the United States, the Charleston Museum was founded in 1773. The museum includes interesting exhibits that portray the colorful history of the Lowcountry as well as a popular interactive children's area. The museum is open 7 days a week. The Charleston Museum also owns and operates the Heyward – Washington House and the Joseph Manigault House, and combination tickets are available: Museum only $10, House only $10; Two sites $16, three sites $22. |
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Drayton Hall |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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3380 Ashley River Rd Hwy 61 North, Charleston 29414 • 843-766-0188 |
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Description:
NORTHWEST CHARLESTON. This estate, built between 1738 and 1742, is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in the United States. It was also the only plantation in the area not destroyed during the Civil War. Its salvation was gained when owner John Drayton informed Union troops that his home was being used as a smallpox hospital. It was thus spared from damage or destruction. |
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Edmondston – Alston House |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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21 E Battery, Charleston 29401 • 843-722-7171 |
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Description:
HISTORIC DISTRICT. This Greek Revival mansion, dating to 1825, offers spectacular views of Charleston harbor and presents priceless displays of historical documents, antiques, silver, and china. The home was originally Federal in style but was renovated in the 1830s to accommodate contemporary tastes. Guided tours available. |
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Fort Moultrie |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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1214 Middle St, Sullivan's Island 29482 • 843-883-3124 |
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Description:
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND. Although it fell into disuse more than once, Fort Moultrie has a lengthy history of coastal defense. The original structure was built in the 1770s, but it was abandoned by the British when they captured Charleston in 1780. The second structure at the site was destroyed by a hurricane in 1804. The current fort was built in 1809, with a few modernizations along the way. Part of a chain of forts designed to protect the South Carolina shore from various invaders, Moultrie eventually grew to encompass most of Sullivan's Island, and is today part of the Fort Sumter National Monument. The Visitor Education Center, at Liberty Square, has detailed historical information about both forts. |
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Fort Sumter National Monument |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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Sullivan's Island 29482 • 800-789-3678 |
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Description:
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND. Despite the fact that construction on Fort Sumter was incomplete, Major Robert Anderson moved his troops here from Fort Moultrie, prepared to defend the site from the Confederate army. Sumter was eventually taken by the Confederates anyway and became a Southern stronghold for most of the Civil War, even in the wake of Union Volleys. The fort is accessible only by water – Spirit Line Cruises runs informative trips back and forth, year round. Nearby Fort Moultrie is also worth a visit. The Visitor Education Center, at Liberty Square, has extensive historical information on both forts. |
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Hampton Plantation State Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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1950 Rutledge Rd, McClellanville 29458 • 843-546-9361 |
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Description:
MC CLELLANVILLE. Hampton Plantation Park and Mansion, circa 1735, is located 16 miles south of Georgetown. Home to Archibald Rutledge, author and state poet laureate, the plantation was built by the Huguenots and visited by George Washington in 1791. Picnic area available.
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Heyward-Washington House |
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(Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) |
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87 Church St, Charleston 29401 • 843-722-2996 |
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Description:
DOWNTOWN. The home of Thomas Heyward, Jr. – a signer of the Declaration of Independence – was built around 1772 and served as a temporary residence for President Washington in 1791. Part of the estate's appeal is its collection of priceless furniture and its spectacular formal gardens. The Charleston Museum owns and operates both the Heyward-Washington House and the Joseph Manigault House, and combination tickets are available: Museum $10, house $10; Two sites $16, three sites $22. |
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