Welcome to Charleston, SCThe city of Charleston, SC is the seat of Charleston County, located just south of the midpoint along South Carolina’s coastline. Charleston, known then as “Charles Town,” was settled by the English in 1670. The area grew, attracting more newcomers from England, Barbados and Virginia, and by the mid-18th century, Charles Town had become a great port town. It was the center for Atlantic trade among the southern colonies and was the largest and wealthiest city south of Philadelphia, with an economy that thrived on the growth of rice and indigo, and relied on the slave trade. At the start of the American Revolution, Charles Town had its own “Boston Tea Party” by confiscating tea and storing it in the Exchange and Custom House. In 1774, the city declared its independence from England, and during the ensuing war, Charles Town was attacked twice by the British, who remained in control of the city until 1782. Once the British retreated in 1783, the city officially changed its name to “Charleston.” From that moment on, Charleston was to see good times and bad; from the economic boom that followed the invention of the cotton gin, to the South’s defeat in the Civil War, to the period of much needed Reconstruction that brought back a balance in the city’s economy and culture.
Today the city is well-known for its eclectic mix of West African, traditional southern American and French elements. Despite the two major wars that were fought within its boundaries, Charleston has retained a lot of its historic features. The Nathaniel Russell House and the Aiken-Rhett House still stand as landmarks of antebellum life, and the Charleston Exchange, which played a prominent role in the American Revolution, is said to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States. The city’s dedication to historic preservation and its atmosphere of deep-rooted southern hospitality has led to Charleston’s status as a strong tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
© 2008 Reliance Relocation Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contributed by:  | More Local Area InformationCharleston, South Carolina has often been referred to as “America’s Best Kept Secret.” Founded in 1670 by settlers in search of religious freedom... Read moreCharleston is not only an intriguing place to visit, it is also a fabulous place to live. For those wishing to relocate to Charleston, SC, th... Read moreLocated on the Atlantic Ocean, Metro Charleston, South Carolina, is blessed with a natural harbor, clean rivers and barrier islands with miles o... Read moreOne of the sea islands, James Island is primarily a relaxed, residential island community featuring beautiful, family-oriented neighborhoods... Read moreLocated within the city limits of Charleston, South Carolina, Daniel Island is one of America’s most prestigious master-planned communities. Th... Read moreWith its quiet residential neighborhoods and semi-tropical terrain, Sullivan’s Island, SC is a classic Charleston beachfront community. Located jus... Read moreMt. Pleasant, South Carolina is a city of approximately 60,000 people located across the Cooper River from historic Charleston, SC. Mt. Pleasant i... Read moreWith a population of 80,000, North Charleston is the 3rd largest city in South Carolina. Incorporated in 1972, North Charleston has grown from ... Read moreThe Isle of Palms is a barrier island along the southern coast of South Carolina about 20 minutes from historic Charleston, South Carolina.... Read moreDue to its convenient location near Charleston, pleasing climate, and abundance of recreation, the Isle of Palms is not only a great place t... Read moreIsle of Palms is a barrier island along the coast of South Carolina, near the historic city of Charleston. Although the island had many visitors i... Read moreWhen the early settlers entered Charleston harbor they passed Folly Island’s tree lined northern coast. They named this island paradise Folly, whic... Read moreLaced by tidal creeks and surrounded by rivers and waterways, Johns Island, South Carolina offers a large variety of waterfront lots and newl... Read moreHanahan, a small city of approximately 14,000 people is located in Berkeley County, South Carolina, about thirty minutes from Historic Charleston... Read moreThe Cainhoy/Wando peninsula is located just north of Daniel Island in Berkeley County only minutes from historic downtown Charleston, SC. The are... Read moreGoose Creek, South Carolina is located in both Charleston and Berkeley counties a few short miles from the historic city of Charleston. The city wa... Read moreKiawah Island is a town and island located off the southeastern coast of South Carolina, situated in the region’s Lowlands. The island gets its nam... Read moreLocated on a beautiful barrier island just 21 miles south of historic Charleston, South Carolina lies Kiawah Island, a world class resort and premie... Read moreAdjacent to Kiawah Island and a mere 30 minutes from Charleston, Seabrook Island offers visitors and investors alike the ultimate in pristin... Read moreLocated just 30 miles from Historic Charleston, Summerville, SC has been aptly named the “Flower Town in the Pines.” Since the turn of the 19t... Read more |
