Explore historical sites and landmarks in and near Charleston, SC, with our list of 25 must-visit spots.
Historical Sites, Landmarks, and Museums to visit in Charleston, SC
Historical Plantation Sites and Houses in Charleston, SC
Boone Hall Plantation
- Established in 1681, Boone Hall is one of America’s oldest working plantations.
- The famed Avenue of Oaks, planted in 1743, leads visitors to the main house.
- Guided tours delve into the plantation’s extensive agricultural history and its significance in Charleston’s economy.
- Preserved slave cabins offer poignant insights into the lives of enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the plantation.
- Hosts a variety of events, educational programs, and tours that showcase its historical and cultural heritage.
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Edmondston-Alston House
- Built in the early 19th century, showcasing Greek Revival architecture.
- Offers panoramic views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter from its sweeping piazzas.
- Rich in historical significance, witnessed pivotal moments during the Civil War.
- Interiors adorned with period furnishings and decorative arts, reflecting Charleston’s elite lifestyle.
- Guided tours highlight its architectural splendor and role in shaping Charleston’s cultural identity.
Aiken-Rhett House
- Constructed in the early 19th century, representing Charleston’s urban plantation architecture.
- Self-paced audio tours provide insights into the mansion’s grand rooms, including the ballroom and drawing rooms.
- Meticulously restored interiors showcase different periods of its history.
- Features outbuildings, gardens, and preserved slave quarters, offering a comprehensive view of antebellum life.
- Provides a rich narrative of Charleston’s affluent past through its architectural details and historical artifacts.
Nathaniel Russell House Museum
- Built-in 1808 by Nathaniel Russell, a wealthy merchant.
- Renowned for its neoclassical architecture and ornate interiors.
- Features a free-flying staircase and exquisite plasterwork.
- Houses a collection of period furniture and decorative arts.
- Offers guided tours that explore the house’s architectural significance and historical context in Charleston.
Middleton Place
Historical sites in Charleston, SC, with gardens
- Established in the late 17th century, Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark.
- Known for its expansive gardens, which are among the oldest landscaped gardens in America.
- Features the House Museum, showcasing family artifacts and period furnishings.
- Offers guided tours of the gardens, showcasing floral displays, reflecting pools, and ancient oak trees.
- Provides insights into plantation life, including the Middleton family’s role in Charleston’s history.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
- Founded in the early 17th century, making it one of the oldest plantations in the South.
- Features extensive gardens with diverse landscapes, including camellias, azaleas, and magnolias.
- The plantation house dates back to the pre-Revolutionary War era and offers guided tours.
- Known for its Audubon Swamp Garden, showcasing diverse wildlife and ecosystems.
- Offers educational programs, nature tours, and a glimpse into plantation life and history.
Rainbow Row
One of the top visited historical sites in Charleston, SC
- Iconic row of historic houses along East Bay Street in Charleston.
- Features brightly colored Georgian-style homes dating back to the 18th century.
- Represents Charleston’s vibrant architectural heritage and colonial past.
- Offers scenic views and photo opportunities for visitors.
Museums and Cultural Institutions Featuring Charleston’s History
International African American Museum
Historical sites in Charleston, SC, for African American history
- Highlights the history and contributions of African Americans, particularly those in the Charleston area.
- Features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
- Provides insights into African American experiences, including slavery, civil rights struggles, and cultural achievements.
- Offers educational programs and events to promote understanding and dialogue about African American heritage.
McLeod Plantation
- Historic plantation dating back to the 19th century.
- Offers guided tours that explore the lives of enslaved and free African Americans.
- Features restored slave cabins and educational exhibits.
- Provides insights into Gullah culture and Lowcountry history.
Powder Magazine
- Charleston’s oldest public building, dating back to the early 18th century.
- Originally used for storing gunpowder during colonial times.
- Houses exhibits on Charleston’s military history and archaeology.
- Offers guided tours focusing on its architectural significance.
Charleston City Market
- Established in the late 18th century, one of the nation’s oldest public markets.
- Features rows of vendors selling local goods, crafts, and food items.
- Offers cultural and historical insights into Charleston’s market tradition.
- Includes the Market Hall, showcasing artifacts and exhibits on market history.
Old Slave Mart Museum
Historical sites in Charleston, SC, for African American history
- Historic site that was once a slave auction gallery.
- Offers exhibits and educational programs on Charleston’s role in the slave trade.
- Highlights African American history and the abolitionist movement.
- Provides guided tours focusing on Charleston’s complex history.
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Charleston Museum
- Founded in 1773, America’s first museum.
- Features exhibits on Charleston and Lowcountry history, natural history, and decorative arts.
- Houses extensive collections of artifacts, including Civil War memorabilia and Charleston silver.
- Offers educational programs, lectures, and events for visitors of all ages.
South Carolina Historical Society Museum
- Founded in 1855, dedicated to preserving South Carolina’s history.
- Features exhibits on state history, including colonial times, the Civil War, and modern era.
- Houses a library with rare books, manuscripts, and archival collections.
- Offers educational programs, lectures, and research opportunities.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
- Historic building dating back to the colonial era.
- Features exhibits on Charleston’s colonial history, including Revolutionary War events.
- Includes the Provost Dungeon, where prisoners were held during the Revolutionary War.
- Offers guided tours that explore the building’s architectural significance and historical events.
Historical Landmarks and Sites in Charleston, SC
The Battery and White Point Garden
Historical sites in Charleston, SC, with beautiful gardens
- Promenade along Charleston’s waterfront, known for its historic homes and gardens.
- Features cannons and statues commemorating Charleston’s military history.
- Offers scenic views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter.
- White Point Garden is a public park with historic monuments and shady oaks.
The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Religious historical sites in Charleston, SC
- Gothic Revival-style cathedral built in the late 19th century.
- Known for its ornate stained glass windows and decorative interior.
- Houses a collection of religious artifacts and historical documents.
- Offers guided tours and religious services for visitors.
Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim
Religious historical sites in Charleston, SC
- Historic synagogue dating back to the early 19th century.
- Represents Charleston’s Jewish community and its contributions to the city.
- Features architectural elements reflecting Jewish traditions.
- Offers tours highlighting its history and cultural significance.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
- Site of the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina, established in 1670.
- Features a replica of a 17th-century ship and a natural habitat zoo.
- Offers exhibits on colonial life, Native American culture, and early settlement.
- Provides walking trails and scenic views of the Ashley River.
Old Charleston Jail
- Historic jail dating back to the early 19th century.
- Known for its Gothic Revival architecture and alleged paranormal activity.
- Offers guided tours that explore its dark history and famous inmates.
- Provides insights into Charleston’s criminal justice system and prison conditions.
Angel Oak Tree
Unique historical sites in Charleston, SC
- Ancient Southern live oak tree estimated to be over 400 years old.
- Located on Johns Island, known for its massive branches and impressive size.
- Offers a serene setting for visitors to enjoy picnics and nature walks.
- Provides educational programs about the tree’s ecology and conservation efforts.
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Military History and Maritime Attractions in Charleston, SC
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Historical sites in Charleston, SC, that kids love
- Located in Mount Pleasant, SC, offering a unique maritime experience.
- Home to the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier that served in World War II and Vietnam.
- Features the USS Laffey, a destroyer known as “The Ship That Would Not Die,” and the USS Clamagore, a Cold War-era submarine.
- Exhibits include military aircraft, naval weapons, and interactive displays.
- Offers guided tours and educational programs that highlight naval history and the role of the military in Charleston’s maritime heritage.
Fort Moultrie
- Historic fort dating back to the Revolutionary War era.
- Played a key role in defending Charleston Harbor during various conflicts.
- Features exhibits on military history and coastal defense.
- Offers guided tours exploring its fortifications and strategic importance.
Fort Sumter
- Island fort known for its role in the start of the Civil War.
- Located in Charleston Harbor, accessible by boat.
- Offers guided tours that explore its history and Civil War events.
- Provides scenic views of Charleston Harbor and surrounding areas.
H.L. Hunley Submarine
- Confederate submarine known for its historic significance during the Civil War.
- The first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat, the USS Housatonic.
- Located at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center in North Charleston.
- Offers exhibits and guided tours that explore its construction, crew, and recovery efforts.
Best Charleston, SC, Historic Tours, Sightseeing, and Landmarks
The Charleston area will not disappoint with things to do, tours, and sightseeing opportunities while visiting. Whether you prefer to walk, ride, or even take a horse drawn carriage, Charleston has the tour for you.
