Charleston, South Carolina is one of the oldest cities in the United States. There are many historical sites to see here as Charleston is where the Civil War began. The beautiful coastal city of Charleston also has great nightlife, dining, shopping, sports and much more.
You can tour genuine Southern antebellum plantations in Charleston. The Middleton Place Plantation on Ashley River Road is a National Historic Landmark. Although much of the home had to be rebuilt as General William Tecumseh Sherman's raid destroyed it in the Civil War, the 1755 guest residence is original. The property has a sugarcane mill, stables, restaurants and gift shop. The Middleton Place Plantation features the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States. Four generations of Middletons once lived here, including Arthur Middleton who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Fort Sumter on Sullivan's Island is where the Civil War first began with gunfire started on 12 April 1861. The island can only be reached by boat and boat tours are available to see the Fort Sumter National Monument. Battery Park, or White Point Gardens as it is also known, is on the Charleston peninsula and has a view of Fort Sumter. The park features civil war statues and cannons and has a gazebo that is popular for weddings. Stately old Charleston antebellum mansions are right beside Battery Park.
Charleston is called "The Holy City" because it is home to hundreds of churches as well as the National Historic Landmark, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue. This synagogue is the oldest American synagogue that is still used regularly. It was built in 1840 and now features a little museum and gift shop. The museum also features George Washington's letter to the congregation.
For avid golfers, Charleston offers some top-rated golf courses such as the Kiawah Island course where the Ryder Cup was held in 1991. Shoppers can find interesting goods such as Charleston sweet grass baskets made by local artists at the City Public Market held outdoors on Market Street. This area is also popular for its night clubs and restaurants.
Charleston is often called "Low Country" as most of the city is at or below sea level. The Charleston aquarium is a popular attraction and features a wide variety of sea creatures including sharks, snakes and alligators. Charleston's Arthur Ravenal Bridge is North America's longest cable stay bridge. It is also called the Cooper River Bridge and has eight lanes and spans 1,546 feet (471 m).
