"charleston, south carolina" a Charleston Travel Page by doug48

charleston south carolna is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the southern united states. charleston began as a settlement at charlestown on the ashley river in 1670. in 1680 the city moved to it's present site on the peninsula between the ashley and cooper rivers. by 1715 charleston was a busy port exporting deerskins, furs, and rice. later indigo and cotton became charleston's major exports. in the mid 19 th century charleston was america's fourth largest city after, new york, boston, and philadelphia.

charleston continued to prosper until the outbreak of the civil war. south carolina seceded from the union in 1860. on april 12 th 1861 confederate troops shelled the union garrison at fort sumter which started the civil war. the city of charleston was under siege by union forces from 1861 until it's surrender to general william t. sherman in 1865. charleston's wealth prior to the civil war allowed the residents of the city to build some of the most beautiful and architecturally diverse homes and public buildings in america.

charleston is a city of neighborhoods, such as the waterfront, charlestowne, harleston village, the french quarter, ansonborough, radcliffeborough, and mazyck wraggbrorough. these neighorhoods have their unique history and architectural styles. along with charleston's historical and architectural attractions, the city offers over 100 restaurants. most of the better restaurants in charleston serve carolina low country cuisine which is unique to the region. near the city of charleston are several antebellum plantations that are open to the public. charleston is a must see stop in south carolina for those interested in american history, architecture, southern culture, and fine dining.

a couple of books worth reading about charleston are,
"the siege of charleston 1861-1865", e. milby burton. pub: university of south carolina press.

i would highly recommend,
"whitness to sorrow", william grayson. pub: university of south carolina press. this book is a wonderful eye whitness account to the history of the south carolina low country from the post revoluntionary period to the outbreak of the civil war.

an excellent guide to charleston is, "complete charleston guide", margaret h. moore. pub: TM Photography inc.