Views from the Big Country: A South Carolina Summer ~ Charleston, aka "The Holy City"

Summer, 2015

Charleston is also known as The Holy City, (due to the large number of churches in the city and the fact that South Carolina was among the few original colonies to tolerate ALL Protestant religions; though it was not open to Roman Catholics). Known for its rich history, well-preserved architecture and fabulous restaurants, it is the oldest city in South Carolina. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England; it adopted its present name in 1783.

The streets are narrow, not really conducive for a dually!! By far the easiest way to get around the city is by trolley. We utilized the trolley each time we visited the city...

waiting for our trolley. visitors center in the background

One of the best ways to learn about the history of Charleston is to take a carriage tour. There are several carriage companies in the city. We decided to utilize the Old South Carriage Co. We hopped on the trolley, which we rode to the central market area. The market area is the location of all of the carriage companies. The trolley stop was only a couple of blocks from the Old South Carriage Tour.

The carriage industry is heavily regulated by the City of Charleston. Regulation of carriage traffic as well as the protection of the horses are two of the reasons. Three different tours are offered (all carriage companies off the same tours). Two of the tours take you through different parts of the historic residential area (multi-million dollar homes); SOB (South of Broad, where those with old money reside) and SNOB (Slightly North of Broad, where those with new money reside). The third tour takes you through the historic churches.

The first stop for all carriages is the carriage checkpoint...

waiting in line. the checkpoint is the small white building

It is here at the checkpoint where we find out which tour we will be taking. The wheel is spun, a numbered ball pops out (think bingo). Prior to spinning the wheel the attendant records the name of our tour guide, names of the horses as well as the current time.

we drew #2, south of Broad tour.

and we're off!

one of the many churches

heading down Broad St.

here we are slightly north of Broad. these are million dollar homes. all exterior paint colors as
well as physical changes to the homes must be approved by the preservation board

love the architectural detail. much of the work was done using slave labor

Many homes have iron work gates in front of their homes. Many of these gates were crafted by Philip Simmons, a black iron worker. Simmons, spent 78 years as a blacksmith. When he first began his career in Charleston, blacksmiths in Charleston made everyday household items such as horseshoes. By the time he retired, the craft was considered an art form rather than a practical profession.

Simmons work can be found throughout Charleston as well as the low country. His work is displayed in the Smithsonian as well as in Paris, France and China.

Philip Simmons gate

many homes have electric lanterns hanging by their front door

historic designation this home as been restored

one of the many crepe myrtle trees found throughout the city

many homes have a garden area such as this

The majority of homes do not have driveways. Parking, allowed on the street, is by permit only. Homeowners purchase a permit (which costs thousands of dollars per year). They are then assigned a "district" in which to park. This district may be a couple of blocks away from your home...