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Offered languages
- English
Our walk is a journey through time starting in the historic French Quarter where we stroll down enchanting alleyways and cobblestone streets. The architecture of houses of worship and public buildings are discussed as we point out interesting features and tell unique stories about Charleston’s fabled past. We continue to the South of Broad area where beautiful 18th & 19th century houses abound. We enter the Nathaniel Russell House garden to get a glimpse of Charleston off the beaten path. The waterfront Battery is a perfect place to take in the sights of Charleston Harbor and imagining the opening volley of the American Civil War at Fort Sumter located just a few miles in the distance. This is not just another boring history lesson, but a walk back in time culminating the life of Charlestonians and visitors alike. Come see what makes Charleston such special place to visit. Whether being your first time or your twentieth, Charleston always has more to see and learn!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We meet on the north side of the building. There is a tree and two park benches next to a Gillon Street (cobblestone).
Itinerary
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1
Our starting point is one of the most historical buildings in South Carolina, c. 1771. The Declaration of Independence was read here in 1776, it was used a British prison for roughy two years during the American Revolution, US Constitution ratified in SC in 1788, George Washington was entertained during week-long visit in May 1791, plus many more events.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2Rainbow Row
See the longest row of attached Georgian row houses in the country. These were mariner's stores in the 18th & 19th centuries. Restored in the 1930's during Charleston's preservation efforts to a bright Caribbean color scheme.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Known as Ryan's Slave Mart in the 1850's, this building was an auction site of the interstate slave trade. We will speak about Charleston's role in the slave trade. The City of Charleston operates the museum and tours are available on site. We do not enter the building.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
4
A beautiful Gothic Revival building from 1845 houses one of the only practicing Huguenot (French Protestant) in the country.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Dock Street Theater
Entrance depending on availabilty. Built on the site of the first theater in the British colonies, The Dock Street Theatre, c. 1937 was restored from the old Planter's Hotel, c. 1809. The Charleston Stage company operates as the largest professional theater company in South Carolina. Roughly 120 performances take place every year.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Charleston City Hall
This building sets on one the "Four Corners of Law", named by Robert Ripley (Ripley's Believe it or Not). Built in 1801 as a bank, City Hall has been as such since 1818 and is one of the oldest continuously run city hall's in the country. During the weekdays, visitors can enter the council chamber and see their collection, complimentary.
2 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7St. Michael's Church
Entrance depending on availability. Oldest house of worship in the city, c.1761. We speak about Charleston's religious history of the past and present. The building has much of the original woodwork and beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows. John Rutledge and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, US Constitution signers, are buried in the churchyard.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
We enter the garden of this beautiful Federal style townhouse built in 1808 and owned by Nathaniel Russell. Reigning from Rhode Island, he was a wealthy merchant involved in shipping.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
9
We walk up on the High Battery wall to take a look at the waterfront mansions and discuss the beginning of the Civil War. Ft Sumter is in view. The Edmonston Alston House has been in the family since 1838 and was a site where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter with other onlookers.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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