Charleston – In Honour of King Charles II of England

Charleston founded in 1670 as Charles Towne in honour of King Charles II of England, adopted its present name in 1783 and moved to its present location on Oyster Point in the year 1680 from the west bank location of the Ashley River which was known as Albemarle Point. From 1690, Charles Towne became the fifth largest city in North America and remained among the first ten largest cities in the United States through the 1840 census.

By 2010 census, its population had reached around 120,093, putting Charleston currently as the fastest growing municipality in South Carolina. Its Metropolitan area covers Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties with its population by 2012 estimating to 712,220 being the third largest in the state as well as the 76th largest metropolitan statistical location in the United States.

Well Preserved Architecture, Rich History

Charleston is the second largest city in the south-eastern State of South Carolina and is also one of the oldest and the principal city in the Charleston North Charleston Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area. It lies on the south of the midpoint of South Carolina’s coastline on the Charleston Harbour, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean which has been formed by the confluence of the rivers Ashley and Cooper.

Charleston is known for its well preserved architecture, its rich history, awesome restaurants with friendly and well-mannered locals and has received many accolades which includes `America’s Most Friendly City’, by Travel & Leisure in 2011 and by Conde Nast Traveler in 2013 as well as the most polite and hospitable city in America by the magazine – Southern Living. There are many attractions to look for, from the harbour to the inland plantation while the main hub of activity is the Charleston’s Historic Market area.

Famous Sweetgrass Baskets

Getting to and around Charleston is fairly easy unlike many of America’s historic Colonial towns with the Interstate 26 being the main highway serving Charleston which terminates at Meeting Street and is the main drive into town leading to the Historic market location.

The Market had been the main part of life for over two hundred years in Charleston where the Greek Revival style market hall building was completed in 1841, and facing the Meeting Street which currently houses the Daughters of the Confederacy Museum. The vendor’s sheds stretch behind it all along the East Bay Street with over 100 vendors inhabiting it. One will find a variety of options on clothing, souvenirs, jewellery, artwork, crafts and food items inclusive of the low Country’s famous sweetgrass baskets.

Leisure Carriage Rides 

Leisure carriage rides can also be taken down Charleston’s back and main streets and tourists can get to know more on Charleston’s history and culture on their visit to the historic architecture with their tranquil gardens. Charleston is an attractive destination with a combination of sand, sun, history, good food accompanied with friendly people.

Its impressive architecture and beaches have been drawing many tourists to this amazing destination besides the over friendly locals who have been contributing genuine hospitability to every visitor thus enhancing the travellers delight at this remarkable destination.