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Historic places in Charleston

10 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Charleston.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Historic places in Charleston

  1. See

    Fireproof Building

    A National Historic Landmark constructed in 1827 and believed to be the oldest building of fireproof construction in the United States. The work of Robert Mills, the first native-born American to be trained as an architect, and a Charleston native who worked with other important early American architects such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Latrobe. Mills was responsible for the Washington Monument and many other public buildings. The building consists primarily of solid masonry in a simple Greek Doric style. An oval hall contains a cantilevered stone staircase lit by a cupola. The building serves as the headquarters for the South Carolina Historical Society, a private non-profit organization founded in 1856.

    Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM

  2. See

    Fort Sumter

    The island site of the start of the Civil War, now a National Monument. One must board a ferry for an additional fee at either Liberty Square in downtown or Patriot's Point in Mt. Pleasant. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes. Fort Sumter is in ruins, but there are markers telling you where things used to be, as well as a museum.

    9AM-5PM

  3. See

    French Quarter

    Between S. Market and Tradd, Meeting and the waterfront, where the English colonial Walled Town once stood. Known for its art galleries, St. Philips Church, French Huguenot Church, and historic architecture.

  4. See

    Liberty Square

    Has the South Carolina Aquarium and the Fort Sumter National Monument Visitor Center, both of which offer views of the Ravenel Bridge. This is also where you may take a boat tour to Fort Sumter.

  5. See

    The Battery and White Point Gardens

    This park sits at the southern tip of the Charleston peninsula with beautiful views, especially along the Battery Promenade by the Cooper River. Don't miss the elegant historic mansions along the Promenade, some of which have sold for nearly $20M.

  6. See

    The Citadel

    Historic military college founded in 1842. Full dress parades generally occur every Friday afternoon while school is in session and are free to the public. The campus is typically open to visitors and tours can be arranged by calling the school or stopping by the Admissions Office located in Bond Hall.

  7. See

    Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist

    Organized in 1821.

  8. See

    Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

    1500 Old Towne Rd

    Daily 9AM-5PMAdults $10, youth (6-15) $6, SC resident senior $6.50

  9. See

    Charleston Museum

    Start with this museum to learn about Charleston's history.

    Open dailyAdults $10

  10. See

    McLeod Plantation Historic Site

    325 Country Club Dr

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Charleston (CC BY-SA 4.0).