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if you have
any information you would like to share, please e+mail me
Thanks....Jerri
Lynne
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For
more historical information visit...
Historic
Charleston's Regilious and Community Buildings
Public
Buildings
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150 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC |
Organized in 1681, it became The Indepedent Church of Charles Towne. Meeting Street adopted its name from the Meeting House built to house the independent congregation. In 1806, a unique circular building, designed by Robert MILLS, became known as the Circular Church. In 1861, a fire destroyed the building. In 1891, the fourth and present building on the site integrated the brick from the burned building of the 1886 earthquake into the new building. The Circular Church established the first Sunday School in South Carolina. Open to visitors when their tour guides are available. |
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90 Hasell Street, Charleston, SC |
Congregation
Beth Elohim the second oldest synagogue in
the United States and the oldest in continuous use.
It was the birthplace of American Reform Judaism in 1824. The first Jews
began to settle in Charleston soon after 1670, attracted
by the civil and religious freedom of South Carolina and its economic opportunities. By 1749, there were sufficient numbers to organize a congregation, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, and to consecrate a house of worship. A large and handsome synagogue was built in 1794 and destroyed by fire in 1838. The present structure, constructed in 1840, is considered one of the country's finest examples of Greek Revival architecture. Also on premises are a Judaic gift shop and museum . Open to the public Mon. - Fri. 10 am - noon. |
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110 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC |
In 1791, the Free African Society, composed of both slaves and free Negroes, was formed in Charleston and later became known as the Bethel Circuit. Morris BROWN led the movement in Charleston to organize the Negro Methodist into an independent organization, and in 1818 a modest house of worship, Emmanuel Church, was erected. In 1822 Denmark VESSEY laid plans in this church for an insurrection. Word leaked out to the authorities about the rebellion and the church was closed. In 1865, the church was reorganized and the present edifice was erected in 1891. |
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53 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC |
First (Scots) Presbyterian Church was organized in 1731 by Caledonian immigrants who would not become members of the Anglican faith. The present church, built in 1814, displays the seal of the Church of Scotland in the window over the main entrance. The bells, which the congregation voted to give to the Confederacy in 1863, have never been replaced. |
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48 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC |
Located in the Historic District near the Battery. First Baptist Church is the oldest Baptist Church in the South, founded in1682. The present sanctuary building, designed by Robert MILLS, was completed in 1822. |
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5 Glebe Street, Charleston, SC |
This is the first brick church building owned by Blacks in Charleston. The building was purchased in 1882 by members of Emanuel AME Church to alleviate its overcrowded conditions. The 54th and 55th Massachusettes regiments worshipped here while stationed in Charleston. With its six different choirs, it is the only church in Charleston that offers the widest variety of service music, ranging from classical to original unarranged Negro spirituals dating before the 1900's. |
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Charleston, SC |
Charleston's Exchange Building is considered one of the three most historical colonial buildings in the United States. Because of its role in the American Revoluntionary War, it is sometimes called "The Independence Hall of South Carolina." On the front steps on the Exchange Building is where, March 28, 1774, the colonialist of SC declared independence from the British. In 1780, after a 42 day siege, British troops marched into Charles Town and held the city captive until 1782. They took over the Exchange Building and imprisoned the leading citizens in its dungeon, only to be released if they signed an oath of loyalty to the King. Colonel Isaac HAYNE, for violation of parole (British terms) spent his final days before being hanged, in the small room off the Great Hall, which was named in his honor. In the 1760's, South Carolina was a royal colony and its trade with England was great. Charles Town, was nearly one hundred years old and was a thriving port in America. It's major export was rice and indigo. With the steady and rapidly growing demands on Charles Town port it was evident that the port needed a large exchange and customs house so the construction of the Exchange Building began in 1767 and was completed in 1771. The main level was the open trading floor, made from stone inported from England. It's second floor were the city and custom offices and the "Great Hall", an elegant assembly room,and is where in 1773 the citizens met to protest the Tea Act, in 1774, the delegates who drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence were elected; on May 23, 1788, over 220 men entered the Great Hall and voted that made SC the 8th state to ratify the United States Constitution; in 1791, during President WASHINGTON one week visit to the city, there were 2 banquets, a grand ball and a concert in his honor held in the Great Hall. The Great Hall was restored in 1981 just as it appeared in 1771 by using original blueprints and it is still a popular meeting and social gathering place, just as it had been in days long ago. The ground level cellars were first used for storing goods. When it was first constructed it was directly on the waterfront. It now stands back about two blocks back due to centuries of landfills that actually has push the habor back to present day lines.. In the 18th century Charleston was the South's largest bustling port. The Exchange Building became the social, political and economic in the south. Each merchant ship entering the harbor had to send a representative to the Custom Office in the Exchange building to pay the required dues for its cargo. The Exchange Building was rescued from demolition and is owned today by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. |
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Court of Guard Old Exchange Building, Charleston, SC |
The Provost Dungeon contains Charles Town's original wall of 1680-1718. The Court of Guard housed a Council Chamber and a jail. In 1718, the council chamber was were the nortious pirate Stede BONNET and his crew were held, after their capture by Col. William RHETT. BONNET and his crew were hanged to their deaths at Charleston's White Point Garden. In 1767 the top of the seawall was lowered and the Court of Guard was demolished for the construction of the Exchange Building to be erected on its site. During the British occuption of Charles Town in 1780-82, three of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Arthur MIDDLETON, Edward RUTLEDGE and Thomas HEYWARD, Jr., were imprisoned in the Provost Dungeon among common crimmals. Before the occuption of the British, Gen. William MOULTRIE secretly hid 10,000 lbs. of gunpowder in a secret alcove created by bricking a false wall in the dungeon's northeast corner. Even though the British occupied the premise for two and a half years, the alcove was never discovered. |
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Corner of Clifford & Archdale Streets |
St. John's Lutheran Church is the Mother Church of Lutherans in South Carolina, and celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1992. Founded by German immigrants, the first recorded service was held May 26, 1734. the congregation was established in 1742 by Henry Melchior MUHLENBURG. The first building on the site was begun in 1759 and replaced by the present building in 1817. |
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89 Hasell Street, Charleston, SC |
St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, the oldest Roman Catholic Church in South Carolina and the Mother Church of the Dioceses of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, was established in 1789. The present building, replacing an earlier one which was destroyed by fire in 1838, was completed in 1839. |
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405 King Street, Charleston, SC |
The second Lutheran congregation organized in Charleston in 1840, primarily for German-speaking settlers. The present Gothic building, with its 297-ft. steeple, was erected in 1872 and was rebuilt following a devastating fire in 1965. Spectacular stained glass windows tell biblical stories. |
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Corner of Meeting and Broad Street, Charleston, SC |
Completed
in 1761, St. Michael's Episcopal Church is the oldest
church edifice in the city and one of the
few city churches in America to retain its original design. It was here
that George WASHINGTON
worshipped during his tour of the South in 1791. The clock and ring of
eight bells in St. Michael's steeple were imported in 1764. Except for
short absences (during the Revolution they were returned to England as
a prize of war, and during the Civil War they were burned and had to be
sent to England for recasting), these bells have shared the lives of Charlestonians
for over 200 years.
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146 Church Street, Charleston, SC |
St.
Philip's Episcopal Church (est. 1670), Mother
Church of the Province, originally stood
on the site where St. Michael'sstands today. The second structure at the
present site was completed in 1724 but destroyed by fire in 1835. The present
building was constructed 1835-1838. During the Civil War its bells were
converted into cannon. On July 4, 1976, new bells were placed in the steeple,
and again St. Phillip's bells can call the faithful to worship. St. Phillip's
was known as the lighthouse church, a light having been put into the steeple
to help guide ships to port. The federal government actually maintained
this light early into this century. In St. Phillip's churchyard are the
graves of John C. CALHOUN,Secretary
of War and Vice President of the United States;
Edward RUTLEDGE,
signer
of the Declaration of Independence; Charles
PINCKNEY,
signer
of the Constitution; and Dubose HEYWARD,
author
of "Porgy."
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136 Church Street, Charleston, SC mailing address:: 110 Church Street |
Built in 1844-1845, the fourth church at this site was designed by Edward B. WHITE. As early as 1687, French Huguenots, fleeing France to avoid religious persecution, were worshipping in a church on the site. An annual French Liturgy service is still held each spring. |
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222 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC |
The Old Bethel Methodist Church (formerly Bethel Methodist Church) was dedicated in 1798 to accommodate the expanding congregation of the Blue Meeting House on Cumberland Street. When the congregation of Bethel Methodist Church began construction of its present church in 1852, the earlier church was moved slightly to the west and used for class meetings of black members. In 1880, it was moved across the street and given to the black congregation. |
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Charleston, SC |
The Old Powder Magazine is the oldest and the only public building that still exist in North and South Carolina from the period of the Lords Proprietors, a group of English noblemen who originally owned and ruled the province of Carolina. In the late 1600's when Charles Town was moved to present site, surrounded by water it was necessary to construct a wall around the city for protection from Spanish vessels from St. Augustine and other hositle ships. The Powder Magazine main purpose was for the storage of powder for the weapons used to defend the city. Although a new magazine was built in 1748, it continued serve its purpose into the period of the American Revolution. Construction of the Old Powder Magazine was guided by Sir Nathaniel JOHNSON (1644-1713) who was a former Colonel in the English Army and was a previous Governor of Leeward Islands. He was considered very knowledgable in military fortification. After 1820, the Powder Magazine was returned to the original (descendants of) owners of the property before 1703, the IZARD and MANIGAULT families. From the 1820's until late 1890's it was had various uses including a printing house,, livery stable and storage building. In 1899, the National Society of Colonial Dames of South Carolina acquired and restored the building which is still preserved today. |
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2604 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC |
The oldest surviving church in the Carolinas, founded and built in 1706; a number of historic tombs are located in the church yard. The Annual Tea Room and Gift Shop each spring serves a Lowcountry menu. |
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Corner of Meeting at Charlotte Street, Charleston, SC |
The Second Presbyterian Church building is the oldest edifice of this faith in the historic section of Charleston, built in 1809 by James and John GORDAN and dedicated on April 3, 1811. The sanctuary was so immense that it was a strain on theministers' voices to be heard. In 1833, the floor was raised three feet, the ceiling lowered 16 feet, and a part of the sanctuary cut off to make an enlarged vestibule. The entrances on the north and south sides were closed. The old box pews were replaced in 1849. The Presbyterian Church of the United States designated this church Historical Site Number One. |
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8 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC |
The Unitarian Church was chartered originally as the Second Independent or Congregational Church and was an adjunct of the Circular Church on Meeting Street. In 1817, the Unitarian and Trinitarian Congregationalists divided, the Unitarians settling on Archdale Street. The building was begun in 1722, but work was interrupted by the Revolution, and it was not completed until 1787. In 1852, the congregation remodeled the building after plans by Francis D. LEE inspired by the Chapel of Henry VII in Westminster Abbey. The unusual fan tracery in the ceiling in the interior is unique in the United States. |
Misc. Places
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Angel Oak Road (off Bohicket Road), Johns Island, SC |
The Angel Oak is a Live Oak tree, estimated to be 1,400 years old. Live oaks are not particularly tall, but have wide spreading canopies. Only in the very oldest of specimens do you find massive limbs resting on the ground, as do the limbs of the Angel Oak. It stands 65ft. high and provides a 17,000 square foot area of shade. Open daily 9am-5pm. Owned and operated by the City of Charleston Department of Parks. No admission charge. |
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Ashley River Road,(hwy 61), Charleston |
Audubon Swamp Garden, is located on the grounds of Magnolia Plantation, contains 60 acres of black water cypress and tupelo swamp. Accessible by boardwalks and dikes, this natural wild area has been called the "most important new botanical planting in North America." Lowcountry wildlife animals such as herons, egrets, alligators, anhingas, wood ducks and otters are commonly seen. |
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Highway 171, Charleston |
Charles Towne Landing is a unique park located on the site of the first permanent English settlement in South Carolina. It offers a tram ride guided tours of the original 1670 fortification, replica of a 17th century trading ketch, seven miles of pathways through beautiful English park gardens, enclosed pathways of the animal forest and Settler's Life Area where 17th century herbs and plants are grown. It is open to the public. |
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Off US 17, McClellanville, SC |
The ancestral home of Archibald RUTLEDGE, Poet Laureate of South Carolina, where he lived until his death. The plantation house (c. 1750) and outbuildings are a National Historic Landmark. The park contains several endangered animal species. Extensive educational programs relating to cultural and natural resources are offere. The plantation house is open from 1:00pm-4:00pm daily, except Tues. and Wed. Grounds are open daily. Free admission. |
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70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, SC |
The oldest cemetery in Charleston, founded in 1849 on the banks of the Cooper River, is inhabited by generations of southern leaders. On the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors are welcome. 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Free. |
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Ashley River Road,(hwy 61), Charleston |
Magnolia Plantation Gardens is located at Magnolia Plantation, which is the original and continuing residence of ten generations of the DRAYTON family since 1670's. It contains America's oldest garden (c. 1680). The gardens include one of this country's largest collections of azaleas and camellias. It is open to the public. |
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Ashley River Road,(hwy 61), Charleston |
Middleton Garden is a 18th century well preserved garden and is considered one of the oldest landscaped gardens in United States. It contains rare camellias, azaleas, magnolias and ancient live oaks. It was said that the garden was built with the hands of 100 slaves. It is located at the site of the old Middleton Plantation. |
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National Historic Site Long Point Rd. (opposite Boone Hall Plantation), Mt. Pleasant, SC |
This
is the last protected remnant of Snee Farm,
the country estate of Charles PINCKNEY (1754-1824).
PINCKNEY
was a statesman,
revolutionary
war officer and
principal framer of the US Constitution
who served four terms as Governor of South
Carolina and in the State
Assembly. Served in the US
Senate, House
of Representatives and as President JEFFERSON's Minister to Spain. Today, 28 acres are preserved, including archeological remains of brick foundations and an unfurnished 1820s tidewater cottage. The site also interprets African-American life during the colonial era. No admission fee; self-guided tours of the grounds and house. |
Streets
of Charleston
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Charleston, SC |
Church Street was named for St. Philip's Church and was part of the original plan for Charles Town in 1672. |
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Charleston, SC |
Legare Street was once called Johnson's Street for Sir Nathaniel JOHNSON, Governor of the Province from 1703 to 1709. The name was changed to Legare after Solomon LEGARE, a prosperous Huguenot (French) silversmith and owner of large tracts of real estate at Legare and Tradd Streets. |
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Charleston, SC |
Chambers Street was once known as Chambers Alley. It was named for Dr. Lionel CHAMBERS, an eminent Scottish physician and scientist who did important work on tetanus and fever. |
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Charleston, SC |
Orange Street was created along the eastern boundary of the Orange Garden, a park known for its orange grove. Alexander PETRIE divided the property on the west side of the street into lots for the nation's first racially integrated "subdivision." One of the lots was sold at public auction to "Amy, a free woman of color." |
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Charleston, SC |
Barre Street, (pronounced Barry ) was surveyed in 1770 and named in honor of Isaac BARRE, a sponsor of the cause against "taxation without representation." |
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Charleston, SC |
Adger's Wharf, was one of several streets made by filling low lands, began as a "low water lot" exposed only at low tide. The land was filled to expand the ever growing city. In the 1830's and 1840's, James ADGER used the wharfs as the southern terminus of the first steamboat line between Charleston and New York. This venture allegedly made him the richest man in South Carolina. |
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Charleston, SC |
Bull Street was named for William BULL, a native South Carolinian, who was the last to fill the Royally-appointed office of Lieutenant Governor. |
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Charleston, SC |
Calhoun Street was named for John C. CALHOUN, the "Great Nullifier." |
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Charleston, SC |
Beaufain Street was named for Hector Berenger de BEAUFAIN, a french Huguenot and prominent Charleston citizen. |
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Charleston, SC |
Gibbes Street was named for William GIBBES, who assisted in the filling of marshlands north of South Battery in the early 1700's. |
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Charleston, SC |
Rutledge Avenue was named for John RUTLEDGE, President and Governor of South Carolina, as well as a delegate to the Continental Congress and United States Constitutional Convention. |
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Charleston, SC |
Elizabeth Street was named for Elizabeth WRAGG, daughter of Joseph WRAGG and mother of architect Gabriel MANIGAULT. |
Index |
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Plantations
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1999-2000,
Jerri Lynne Smith, Charleston County Webmaster
Charleston
County, South Carolina, USA
ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED