History still reigns in Charleston, a city that
successfully blends two worlds — the past and the
present. Visitors can relive the days of old
when the city was a bustling seaport.
As you walk down tree-lined lanes dotted
with elegant mansions dating back to pre-Civil
War, you can almost hear the conversations
of hooped-skirted, Scarlett O'Hara types.
Founded in 1670, the walled town, also known as
the "Holy City" for the many church steeples and spires
throughout the city, has stood the test of time. From
the days of horse and buggy to modern-day cars, the
city that has survived earthquakes, hurricanes and war,
still casts a spell on all who walk the streets of this
historical treasure.
Charleston displays a distinctive lifestyle, one that is
set apart from other historic cities. For one, it is a city
where people actually live in private residences that are
also historic. These are historic homes where people
live, work and play. Charleston is also unique in that it
has maintained the original use of its structures.
Churches are still churches, and homes are still used as
homes. This is a city that continues to be historical while
adapting into a 21st century world.
The city treasures its past by maintaining and preserving
historic homes for the enjoyment of visitors and locals.
The tourist-friendly city offers a number of ways to
tour: foot, trolley or horse-drawn carriage. Plus, each
year the Preservation Society holds its annual Fall Tour
of Homes and Gardens — a major treat for history lovers.
Here are a few of our favorite picks for must-see
historical homes when visiting Charleston:
Heyward-Washington House
"Charleston's Revolutionary War House"
87 Church Street
843-722-0354
www.charlestonmuseum.org
Built in 1772, the
Heyward-Washington House
was the townhouse of Thomas
Heyward, Jr., Revolutionary patriot and signer
of the Declaration of Independence who was
exiled and imprisoned during the war.
Furnished with magnificent Charleston-made
furniture, the collection includes the priceless
Holmes bookcase, considered to be the finest
example of American-made furniture in
existence today. The exquisite formal garden
features plants available to Charlestonians
during that period. Located in the original
walled portion of the city, the house is
surrounded by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers
as well as the beautiful Charleston Harbor.
Claim to fame: The house was also George
Washington's temporary residence during his
southern tour of 1791.
Joseph Manigault House
"Charleston's Huguenot House"
350 Meeting Street
843-723-2926
www.charlestonmuseum.org
The
Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803,
is a premier example of Adam-style, or Federal
architecture. Designed by architect Gabriel
Manigault for his brother Joseph, the house
is one of the most distinguished in the city,
capturing the lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting
family. The interior reflects an outstanding
collection of American, English and French
furnishings of the period. Typical to the time
period, the house features faux doors for
balance and symmetry, high ceilings and lots
of porches to ward off the heat and humidity
of Charleston summers.
Distinction: The house was once the site of
a USO post during the war.
Aiken-Rhett House
48 Elizabeth Street
843-723-1159
www.historiccharleston.org
Billed as Charleston's most intact urban villa,
the expansive
Aiken-Rhett House was built
in 1818. A conservation approach has been
adopted for this important site and it has
remained virtually unaltered since 1858.
Many objects can still be found in the rooms
for which they were originally purchased.
The Aiken-Rhett house features a dramatic
entrance hall with cast-iron railings and
the only audio tour in Charleston.
Drayton Hall
3380 Ashley River Road
843-769-2600
www.draytonhall.org
For seven generations,
Drayton Hall has
remained "all in the family," from its founding in
1738 by John Drayton, until 1974 when Charles
and Frank Drayton sold the family's ancestral
home to the National Trust. Drayton Hall is a
work of art that has survived the American
Revolution, the Civil War, the earthquake of
1886, Hurricane Hugo, and will likely survive
urban sprawl. The main house is considered
one of the finest examples of Georgian-
Palladian architecture in the U.S. and the
grounds represent one of the most significant,
undisturbed historic landscapes in America.
Here you will see stories of family, culture,
preservation and more, come alive. Visit the
Victorian garden mound and reflecting pond,
live oaks that are over 250 years old, and
enjoy the beauty of a premier plantation.
Nathaniel Russell House
51 Meeting Street
843-724-848
www.historiccharleston.org
Visit the
grand federal townhouse of
Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell,
completed in 1808. The graceful interior
boasts elaborate plasterwork ornamentation,
geometrically shaped rooms and a dramatic
free-flying staircase that must be seen to be
appreciated. Set on a double lot amid
spacious gardens and furnished with period
antiques, the house evokes the gracious
lifestyle of the city's elite. The house is unique
in its architecture in that it resembles a New
England-style design without the signature
Charleston side piazzas.
Distinction: Nathaniel Russell is widely
recognized as one of America's most
important neoclassical dwelling.
Edmondston-Alston House
4300 Ashley River Road
843-556-6020 or 800-782-3608
www.middletonplace.org
Of all of the many historical homes on tour, the
Edmonston-Alston House is one of the few
that commands a view of the magnificent
Charleston Harbor. This same view allowed the
family and General Beauregard to watch the
bombardment of Fort Sumter in 1861 from the
piazza facing the harbor. Originally built by
Charles Edmondston in 1825, the house was
later bought by Georgetown County rice planter
Charles Alston in 1838. The change of
ownership included a transformation to Greek
Revival architecture. Today, Alston family
furniture, silver, books and paintings adorn the
high-ceiling rooms and hold tribute to the house's
sophisticated taste in architecture and design.
Distinction: The Edmonston-Alston house has
been in the same family since 1838 and the
current owner lives on the 3rd floor (Not open
to public). Martha Stewart was also the first
guest at the house's B & B.
The Appeal of the Past
Revisit the past in a city that is unparalleled for
its charm, beauty and history. Tourists and
locals agree that the city is meant to be
enjoyed at whatever pace you choose whether
it is strolling by the Battery and enjoying the
soothing ocean breezes of Charleston Harbor,
or walking through the many historic streets in
town. The Battery is also home to some of the
city's most opulent residences, including the
Calhoun Mansion and the Palmer Home (also
known as the Pink Palace).
For more information about the Fall Tour of
Homes, visit www.preservationsociety.org 
