How to Tour Historic Charleston
Charleston is one of America's most historic cities. The English colonists founded this South Carolina city in 1670. At one time Charleston was considered the New World's cultural center. Steeped in the history of America's birth, the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, Charleston is a wonderful place to take a historic tour.
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Instructions
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Take a general historic tour. There are many different guided tours around Charleston that include all the important sites such as the Battery Waterfront district, St. Phillips Episcopal Church and the Public Market.
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Check out Charleston's fabulous historic homes on the old streets of Charleston's Historic Homes District. Most tours include colorful stories about the Charlestonians who have lived in these stately southern homes. The most important mansions are considered to be the Edmondston-Alston House and Nathaniel Russell House.
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Tour important Civil War sites. Tour guides will expound on topics such as the Ordinance of Secession, the first shots fired on Fort Sumter, the effect of the Union's attack on Charleston and the surrender of the city. Visit the High Battery, views of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor and White Point Gardens, which is still encircled with cannons from the period.
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Learn more about Revolutionary War patriots such as Henry Laurens. Henry was the only American ever held in the Tower of London during the Revolution. He was later exchanged for England's Lord Cornwallis. There are tours that will share information on Laurens as you visit churches, homes, public buildings and grave sites.
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Enjoy an historic boat tour past sites such as the steeple of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, grand homes along the Battery, forts, the Cooper River Bridges and more.
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Step back in time with a Gone With the Wind tour. An entertaining event led by a cast of Civil War characters, this tour encompasses the French Quarter, the Rainbow Row of colorful homes, the Market and Old Citadel.
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Explore different plantations such as the Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Plantation. Check out beautiful gardens, slave cabins, a butterfly lake and nature train ride.
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Tips & Warnings
Other Charleston sites to visit include the Charleston Museum, Joseph Manigault House, Greek Revival Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue, Old Powder Magazine, Old Dock Street Theatre, Gothic Revival Huguenot Church, Palladian Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Elizabeth O'Neill Verner Studio-Museum and Calhoun Mansion.
