Charleston, South Carolina

Rich in history and home to lovely residences lined with Palmetto Trees, Charleston is a true historical gem. My first visit to Charleston focused primarily on Antebellum history and the role that the port city played in the American Civil War. However, during this visit I became even more impressed with Charleston’s great historical significance. One of the four largest port cities in the colonies during the American Revolution, Charleston boasts a site of historical significance everywhere a tourist looks. Everywhere I turned, I came into contact with important sites that impacted American independence and the development of the United States.

One of my favorite sites to visit was the St. Philip’s Episcopal Church which is located on the appropriately named Church Street. The churches of the colorful city are rich in history. The architecture represents the popular styles of the era, famous individuals are interred in local cemeteries (such as John C. Calhoun and Charles Pinckney), and lastly, it was an incredible step back in time to enter houses of worship that founders—such as George Washington—found inspiration and strength. The churches were incredible to see, but Charleston offers much more.

The Old Slave Market, the Exchange Building, and Charleston Bay are all wonderful places to see. I could see Fort Sumter across the water, an impressive structure still looking over the waters of South Carolina. Yet the one aspect of this visit that I enjoyed the most—and learned the most from—was reading historical plaques in front of the multitude of gorgeous Southern homes in the town. I was able to learn about the early commerce of the city and the roles that these past colonist had during the American Revolution. Some men strove to separate from Britain while others actively tried to prevent the separation between England and her colonies. Being able to stand in front of the home of Thomas Heyward Jr.—a signer of the Declaration of Independence—and picture what 1776 in Charleston was like was phenomenal but also easy to do because of the historical atmosphere that is radiantly prevalent in the city. In the end, everywhere I turned I came into contact with homes, structures, and streets that had a massive impact on American independence.

One is in awe by the massive presence of America’s past in Charleston. In fact, it would be quite easy to forget about time as one strolls the streets of the famed port city—something that did in fact impact our trip as some students became overwhelmed by the rich history and lost track of time. Nevertheless, Charleston is a historical city that can only be rivaled by a select few. It has beautiful buildings. It has tremendous history. Lastly, it is one of my favorite cities to visit. I enjoyed seeing Fort Sumter and the Heyward-Washington home during my previous visit. This visit though has been more in-depth and has given me a greater understanding of Charleston’s invaluable place in the history of this country.