Charleston
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Charleston may be America's most beautifully preserved
architectural and historic treasure, with a rich, 300-year history
just waiting to be discovered. Hundreds of significant and
lovingly preserved structures from the colonial and antebellum
periods grace the Historic District's narrow streets. Church
bells toll the hour as history unfolds around each and every
corner. In no other place are the past and present more
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The entire Charleston area is a never-ending feast for the
senses, with history serving as the main course. Visit Charles Towne Landing, the site where
the original settlement was established in 1670. Explore the Charleston Museum, our nation's
first museum, or Patriots Point, the world's largest naval and maritime museum and home of
WW II's Fighting Lady, the aircraft carrier Yorktown. Drive to Fort Moultrie, scene of the
first decisive American victory of the Revolution, and a mainstay of shore defense until 1947.
Take a scenic boat tour to Fort Sumter, the man-made island fortress where the Civil War
began. World-famous plantations and gardens offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into life
during the antebellum era. Informative tours of the Charleston area are offered daily and are a
must for all who want to truly appreciate this living museum.
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At Cypress Gardens, visitors can paddle a flat bottom boat through a real cypress swamp or relax in the Butterfly House which features a vast array of native butterflies. |
| The Charleston area is blessed with an abundant amount of spectacular gardens.
Magnolia Plantation and Its Gardens is not only the oldest major public gardens in America, it is also America's oldest man-made attraction, having been open to the public since the late 1860's.
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 The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley finally returned to port on
August 8th, 2000 - 136 years after it made history by sinking the
Union warship USS Housatonic on February 17, 1864. The fate of
the Hunley had remained a mystery until 1995, when best-selling
author Clive Cussler and a team of underwater researchers
discovered the vessel resting in 30 ft. of water approximately four
miles off the coast of Sullivan's Island. The Hunley was recovered
intact and taken by barge to a specially constructed conservation
lab at the former Navy base in North Charleston, where it will
undergo up to seven years of scientific research and restoration. At
the end of this process it will be placed on permanent display in a
new wing of the Charleston Museum. In the meantime, full-scale
replicas of the Hunley can be seen at the Charleston Museum and
at Fort Moultrie on Sullivans Island.
Although the H.L. Hunley's journey to the ocean surface is complete, the mystery of how the Civil War submarine sank in 1864 has yet
to be solved. Scientists are eager to begin the excavating the sub, which was reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean last month.
While the H. L. Hunley lies in a 55 foot-long (17 meter-long) tank submerged in a bath of water chilled to 50 degrees F (10 degrees C)
scientists are working out the final details for mounting a systematic excavation of the sub's interior. They expect to unload a time
capsule of artifacts that will shed light not only on the sub's technology, but also the personal lives of the crew. A team of archaeologists,
led by Maria Jacobsen, hopes to uncover artifacts that will answer the century-old question: Why did the Hunley sink?
"The Hunley is an international treasure," says Jacobsen. "It's the first -the grandmother of all modern submarines,"
Several items are already known to lie within the Hunley: navigational gear, steering mechanisms, pumps, a compass and depth gauge,
a watch, tools, and perhaps firearms. In addition, says Jacobsen, personal possessions such as shoes, belt buckles, buttons,
provisions, good luck charms, whatever the sailors carried on board may still be in the sub.
"The Hunley is a true time capsule. Inside there is data and fragments that will illuminate the story," says Jacobsen. "That's very
exciting."
Learn more about the
fascinating history, recovery and restoration of the Hunley at the
"Friends of the Hunley" web site.
The area's lush sea islands and sun-drenched beaches offer as
much recreation or relaxation as your heart desires. Golf is on
a world-class level, with challenging courses reflecting the
natural beauty of the South Carolina lowcountry. Charter
fishing on the Gulf Stream or inshore waters is readily
available.
A 10-mile stretch of undisturbed Atlantic beach, Kiawah Island abounds in natural beauty from endless acres of marsh to thick
forests of pines, magnolias and massive live oaks. Neighboring Seabrook Island includes three and a half miles of pristine beach along
the Atlantic shore and the banks of the Edisto River. Surfs up at Folly Beach, located just north of Kiawah Island. The island is filled with
natural beauty, rare birds, history, fishing and surfing.
Shopping is one of our Visitors most passionate
pursuits. Marvel at native sweetgrass baskets and handmade
crafts found in Charleston's famous open-air market, or
browse through inviting boutiques, art galleries and antique
shops found throughout the Charleston area.
Known as one of the oldest African art forms still practiced in the United States,
the 300-year-old tradition of basketmaking thrives in the Charleston area. Charlestonians are
proud of this rare art form and visitors from all over have an opportunity to take this piece of history home with them.
The basket itself is not the only art of this technique as this exquisite craft is a family affair and takes more than a month to complete.
When it comes to
dining, your biggest decision may just be what to try next. Every meal is a celebration of
tastes, with variety that ranges from traditional oyster roasts to fine continental dining.
Charleston's distinctive regional cuisine is being celebrated throughout the country. Once thought of as a lost art, Charleston "receipts" have been resurrected, preserved and
artfully woven with influences from around the world. The blending of local ingredients such as Carolina Gold rice, grits, she crab soup with ideas from abroad make Lowcountry cuisine an
important component of the Charleston experience.
At any time of year, you will always find more to see, do and experience in Charleston than you ever
imagined... in a place where warm welcomes have been a treasured tradition for over 300
years.
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