A multitude of firsts dot Charleston's historical landscape. Tracing these events along a timeline that spans more than three centuries reminds us of the long and arduous journey that forged our nation…and Charleston's prominent role in that amazing drama.
Even as these firsts reveal the significant role Charleston played in the making of America, they also entice us to look a little closer, to wander a little farther, to search a little harder in an attempt to fill-in the historical details in the city's expansive timeline. It is there, tucked quietly between the milestones, where Charleston's true character is exposed.
As the history of the "Holy City" unfolds, it soon becomes evident that Charleston is a place where the present mingles easily with the Old World charm and sophistication of a bygone era…a modern metropolis draped in the rich and aesthetically-pleasing cloak of yesteryear. Clearly, America's most historic city is a progressive one. As in the past, the city's loyal inhabitants remain steadfast in their task of building the future on an enduring foundation—one that has been fired by time and preserved by tradition.
Charles Towne was founded in 1670 along the banks of the Ashley River as the first European settlement in the Carolinas. Ten years later, the community relocated to its current place on the peninsula overlooking the harbor. By the early 1700s, Charles Towne was the wealthiest city in Colonial America largely due to its shipping trade.
During the Colonial Period, coastal South Carolina was the largest producer of rice in America. The crop arrived in the area around 1685 when a brigantine ship sailing from the island of Madagascar encountered a raging storm and put into Charles Towne Harbor for repairs. With his ship in dry dock, Captain John Thurber met Henry Woodward, the town's best known resident, who had the distinction of being the first English settler in the area. Thurber gave a bag of rice to Woodward, who experimented and grew the first successful rice crop in the New World. Rice soon became the area's main cash crop.
In 1707, Henrietta Dering Johnston (1670-1729), America's first woman artist, arrived in Charles Towne. In addition to being the first professional female artist in the American colonies, Johnston was also the first artist in the colonies to work primarily with pastels. Between 1707 and 1728, she painted likenesses of such wealthy Charlestonians as Gov. Thomas Broughton, Sir Nathaniel Johnson and Col. William Rhett.
Charleston's passion and support for the arts dates back to its earliest days. An exploration of the city's history reveals that in 1736, a group of local actors performed George Farquhar's The Recruiting Officer at the New Theatre, the first building in the United States designed solely for theatrical purposes. Today, the Dock Street Theatre, located on Church Street, occupies the remodeled New Theatre building. Throughout the years, the city's residents remained loyal to the arts, even during the Civil War when legend has it General Pierre Beauregard led theatergoers—interrupted by Union troops bombarding the city—in a rousing chorus of the "Bonnie Blue Flag."
Even as the city continued to thrive well into the 18th century, seeds of discontent were being sown throughout the English colonies over the oppressive taxes placed on colonists by their ruler, the King of England. The question of whether or not to remain loyal to the King split families apart. The city was torn between its past allegiance and an uncertain future. In June 1776, eager to capture the Southern port cities of Savannah, Ga. and Charleston in order to quell the growing resistance, the British attacked Fort Sullivan (now Fort Moultrie) on Sullivan's Island. After sustaining severe damage to several of their ships, the British withdrew. The Battle of Sullivan's Island marked the first victory of the American Revolution. The die was cast. Although Charleston would be occupied by British troops for much of the Revolutionary War era, the city's crucial role in the birth of a new nation had been etched in stone.
It just makes sense that one of the country's most historic cities also has a first related to golf—Charleston has been called the birthplace of golf in America. The city traces its golf roots to the mid-1700s, when ships sailing into Charleston Harbor regularly listed "goof sticks and balls" on their manifests. The South Carolina Golf Club—now chartered as the Country Club of Charleston—was founded in 1786 and has been recognized by no less an authority than GOLF Magazine as the nation's first golf club.
The first regularly scheduled train offering passenger service originated from Charleston on December 25, 1830. The South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company's new steam locomotive, Best Friend of Charleston, "flew" 141 brave souls along six miles of wood and metal rails at speeds of 15-25 miles per hour. Part of the wreckage of that train was later used to cast the first cannon to be built in the Confederate States.
On December 20, 1860, a South Carolina convention of 196 members met at St. Andrews hall in Charleston and voted unanimously, making it the first state to secede from the Union. Convention members met in Institute Hall later that evening to sign the Ordinance of Secession.
Then in the early morning hours of April 12, 1861, a lone cannonball arched a misty sky to hit its target in Charleston Harbor. As the first engagement of the Civil War unfolded, locals gathered on rooftops near the Battery of the great antebellum city to watch and cheer their heroes and their independence. For 34 hours, the Confederate troops at Fort Johnson bombarded the federally-held Fort Sumter, driving Lincoln's army from the South's most precious shipping channel. But the tide would turn all too quickly, the joy of victory replaced by despair.
After enduring months under siege by Union forces, a plan was devised to strike back. On the night of February 17, 1864, eight men led by Lt. George Dixon entered an experimental vessel that was to become the first submarine in world history to successfully sink an enemy ship. That night, the H. L. Hunley entered the dark waters off Sullivan's Island and rammed her spar torpedo into the hull of the USS Housatonic. But minutes after her historic achievement, the Hunley and all hands onboard vanished into the sea without a trace.
The Union was saved. The noble drummer's call to war had ended with wives and mothers crying tears of gray upon the blood-soaked earth, as undertakers planted the South's last great hope beneath neat rows of headstones. Charleston lay in ruins, her back broken against a changing tide. But it did not break her spirit. From the rubble came another great uprising, a transformation from what she was...to what she is today. Read more in Exploring Our Past.
Upon the hallowed grounds of a failed Confederacy grew a new South, with Charleston at its heart. Today the streets of this gracious city reflect both a bygone era, and a modern, thriving community. Where cannon once rang out across the harbor, a sea of sailboats now drifts across still blue water, silently proclaiming a quality of life that is next to none in the nation. The street where Redcoats once marched to lay siege to the city now serves as the backdrop to welcome Spoleto Festival USA.
Touted as the largest festival of its kind in the nation, Spoleto is just one of the many festivals and events that attract people from all walks of life to the city annually.
Visitors also come to shop in the city’s unique Antiques District and browse the many fine art galleries. And before leaving, they are lured into sampling the extraordinary cuisine, a fare that rivals that of New Orleans but is served up "Lowcountry style."
As always, the Port of Charleston defines the city’s prosperity. Where rice and cotton once reigned in exports, the port now stands as a gateway to commerce for the entire Southeast.
Charleston continues to leave her mark on the annals of American history. From the raising of the Submarine H. L. Hunley to life-saving research being conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston still grabs history-making headlines.
Discovering Charleston, with all her passions and proclivities, is indeed a journey through history. There are many lessons to learn here. Better yet, there are mysteries to unearth in the graveyards, secrets to uncover in the hidden gardens, and ghosts with sordid tales of love and betrayal just waiting for an interested ear.
Let your journey into history begin. You are invited to discover a Charleston all your own.
Other Important Charleston Firsts…
America's first free library was established in Charleston in 1698.
The first mutual fire insurance company, Friendly Society for the Mutual Insurance of Houses, was established in 1735.
The first opera in American was performed in Charleston on February 18, 1735.
The Charleston Chamber of Commerce, established in 1773, was the first city Chamber of Commerce in this country.
The Charleston Museum, America's first public museum, was organized on January 12, 1773.
The first time a British flag was taken down and replaced by an American flag was in Charleston in 1775.
The first independent government among American colonies was formed in Charleston in March 1776.
The first cotton mill was built on James Island in 1789.
The first fireproof building was built in Charleston in 1822.
The College of Charleston, America's first municipal college, opened April 1, 1838.
The first Medal of Honor awarded to a Black recipient was presented to W. H. Carney (Army) on July 18, 1863.
The first national historic preservation ordinance was passed by Charleston City Council on October 13, 1931.
Strom Thurmond became the first U.S. Senator elected by a write-in vote on November 2, 1954.
Learn about how you can own a piece of history or invest in waterfront and vacation property in Charleston and the Lowcountry. Read our Real Estate section.
With just 300 members, many of them non-residents and no unaccompanied guests, you might feel as though you have the course to yourself. The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek was recently awarded the 2007 Golfweek Residential Course Of Distinction award.
Voted Best Seafood Restaurant...Charleston Courier and News. With both waterfront and deck dining, it is reported that Charleston Crab House is the perfect family spot. Famous for fresh local fish & seafood, steaks, pastas, chicken, salads and frozen tropical drinks. Southern seafood, sensible prices and a darn good time.
Luxury real estate sales on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw and the surrounding Charleston area. One of Charleston area's leaders in luxury real estate sales and vacation rentals on Kiawah Island. Find the perfect luxury property for a seasonal vacation rental or year round South Carolina coastal living. Tel: (843) 768-0273
A multitude of firsts dot Charleston's historical landscape. Tracing these events along a timeline that spans more than three centuries reminds us of the long and arduous journey that forged our nation…and Charleston's prominent role in that amazing drama.
Even as the city continued to thrive well into the 18th century, seeds of discontent were being sown throughout the English colonies over the oppressive taxes placed on colonists by their ruler, the King of England. The question of whether or not to remain loyal to the King split families apart. The city was torn between its past allegiance and an uncertain future. In June 1776, eager to capture the Southern port cities of Savannah, Ga. and Charleston in order to quell the growing resistance, the British attacked Fort Sullivan (now Fort Moultrie) on Sullivan's Island. After sustaining severe damage to several of their ships, the British withdrew. The Battle of Sullivan's Island marked the first victory of the American Revolution. The die was cast. Although Charleston would be occupied by British troops for much of the Revolutionary War era, the city's crucial role in the birth of a new nation had been etched in stone.
As always, the Port of Charleston defines the city’s prosperity. Where rice and cotton once reigned in exports, the port now stands as a gateway to commerce for the entire Southeast.
With just 300 members, many of them non-residents and no unaccompanied guests, you might feel as though you have the course to yourself. The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek was recently awarded the 2007 Golfweek Residential Course Of Distinction award.
Voted Best Seafood Restaurant...Charleston Courier and News. With both waterfront and deck dining, it is reported that Charleston Crab House is the perfect family spot. Famous for fresh local fish & seafood, steaks, pastas, chicken, salads and frozen tropical drinks. Southern seafood, sensible prices and a darn good time.
Luxury real estate sales on Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw and the surrounding Charleston area. One of Charleston area's leaders in luxury real estate sales and vacation rentals on Kiawah Island. Find the perfect luxury property for a seasonal vacation rental or year round South Carolina coastal living. Tel: (843) 768-0273
