People visit Charleston for many reasons. They head to the beaches, they head to the cultural events held throughout the year, and they go to see the most amazing historical architecture. One of the biggest draws for those who go to see Charleston is the incredible past. From the Civil War to the colonial times, this is a city by the sea that has played a huge role in the histories of the country.
You are a nature lover who needs to head over to the Angel Oak Tree to see some of that history growing in Charleston or you want to be there to see the antebellums, then you need to take a look at this list of where you should visit in Charleston if you are a lover of history.
Charles Towne Landing. To see where it began, head over to Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. This is one of the best state parks that sits on a marshy point off the Ashley River. There is a self-guided history trail here where you can explore the exhibits or go to the 22 acre Natural Habitat Zoo. This will help you to see a variety of animals that have inhabited South Carolina for many years.
North Carolina Historical Society Museum. Here, in a National Historic Landmark building at 100 Meeting St. the South Carolina Historical Society Museum explodes with interactive exhibits that showcase South Carolina’s amazing history, art and culture. The fireproof building is believed to be the first of its kind and was constructed in the United States in the 1800s. With personal manuscripts, artifacts, and maps paired with the technology, visitors can gain an illuminating experience that shaped the history of the country.
The Charleston Museum. Founded in the 1770s and is regarded as the first Museum of America. The Charleston Museum was established by the Charleston Library Society. It was actually established on the eve of the American Revolution, which is going to help those history buffs out there to salivate at that news. It was first opened to the public in the 1800s and the exhibits highlight the Native Americans who first inhabited the Low Country and enslaved African Americans who played a significant role in the area’s agricultural and plantation growth.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Petitions and arguments before the assembly by Charles Town’s wealthy merchants and investors prompted the government to pass an act to fill the building of an exchange, or custom house. It was constructed at the foot of Broad Street and renovated in the late 1970s. It formally opened in 1981 and remains a much visited tourist attraction.
Old Slave Mart Museum. Charleston’s history as a player in the domestic slave trading system has been documented in detail for years, but its most detailed at the Old Slave Mart Museum. In the 70 years between the US Constitution and the Civil War, more than 1,000,000 American born slaves were sold away from plantations in the upper South. You can read more about the history here.
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