Charleston, South Carolina is a city with an incredible history. There is no wonder it attracts thousands of visitors each and every year — with its incredible past, awesome activities, and wonderful cuisine, there is everything anyone could ever want in a destination!
Here is a quick history of the dynamic city of Charleston.
A seaport to a city
Founded originally by English colonists in 1670s, the city of Charleston was first a colonial seaport that specialized in fishing. It then was transformed into a bustling city by the mid-eighteenth century simply due to thriving agriculture. The geographical area around Charleston is great farmland known for producing cotton, rice, and beautiful indigo.
The start of the Civil War
Located in the South, Charleston was actually the starting point for the U.S. Civil War. In April 1861, Confederate Troops fired at Union soldiers occupying Fort Sumter, located in Charleston’s harbor. However, during the end of the same year, Union forces started to blockade Charleston and restricting anything from going in or coming out. Despite the restrictions, South Carolinians fought passionately in the Civil War until the war came to an official end in April 1865.
Reconstruction
The city was slow to recover from the devastation of the war, as its prized farmlands were ruined when they were turned into battlefields. However, this slow recovery has actually turned out in Charleston’s favor — since the city was slow at rebuilding itself, it was forced to repair ruined buildings rather than replace them completely. These pre-Civil War buildings are still around today and are perfect for horse and buggy rides, and private carriage tours that will help you explore the city!
The emergence of the Navy
With the construction of the Charleston Navy Yard in 1904, Charleston was thrust into a bustling, twentieth-century harbor city. As the city became bigger and bigger, tourism increased, and the Charleston we have come to know and love today was established.
The best way to see all Charleston has to offer is by horse and buggy rides around the city. You’ll be able to see the city as its patrons did in the past, and feel transported back in time in the process.
If you are looking for the best carriage tours Charleston has to offer, please contact us today!
