You may know Charleston, SC as a charming southern town, but when you move there, you’ll discover that the city is also brimming with American history. Once you settle down and unpack after your move, you can take advantage of the numerous historic sites in Charleston, SC. You can fill your weekends with enjoyable outings, tours, and unforgettable experiences. Here are the top 5 most historic sites in Charleston, SC.
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Fort Sumter National Monument
How’s this for an Instagram photo opp? “This is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.” Not bad, right? Well, you can make it happen when you visit Fort Sumter. It actually is the place where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. You can take a tour of the original fort, which is a half-hour ferry ride from the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. Also, why not explore the recreational area of Fort Moultrie on your own? It’s included in the National Monument.
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Aiken-Rhett House
This historic house in Charleston, SC is one of the best-preserved antebellum properties in the U.S. It was owned by the powerful Aiken family for 142 years, including William Aiken, Jr., who owned the largest plantation in South Carolina in the years before the Civil War. The House was sold to The Charleston Museum in 1975. Today, you can book a private tour and get an authentic picture of pre-Civil War life.
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St. Michael’s Church
You won’t regret visiting the oldest religious structure in Charleston, SC. It was built in the 1750s and has been tolling its bells since 1764. St. Michael’s Church is stunning to behold both from inside and outside. You can participate in guided tours during the week, and even join Sunday Services which take place every weekend.
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Heyward-Washington House
Another historic house in Charleston, SC, but here you’ll get an entirely different experience than at the Aiken-Rhett House. This historic site was the home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. When George Washington visited Charleston in 1791, he stayed at the Heyward House. Today, you can take a guided tour of the house, see where Washington slept (another great Instagram photo opp!), and get detailed explanations of the antiques and the history behind them. Make sure to book your tour in advance, though. This is one of the most popular historic things to do in Charleston, SC.
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Charleston Fire Department, Station 2/3
Here’s something a little different to do on your tour of historic sites in Charleston, SC. The Charleston Fire Department 2/3 was headquarters of the Charleston Fire Department from 1974 until 2013. Nowadays it is the home of antique engines and equipment. A perfect attraction for children and adults alike!
Getting the Most Out of Historic Sites in Charleston, SC
Once you move to Charleston, SC, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget that there are so many historic things to do. So, make visiting historic sites in Charleston, SC a priority for yourself, and check a different site off your list every weekend! When you fill your time visiting rich, culture-filled sites, you’ll never be happier that you moved to historic Charleston, SC.
