Charleston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Founded in 1670, it played key roles in the Colonial era, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. Today, the city preserves many iconic sites that reveal its past. From waterfront forts to pastel-colored streets and preserved homes, these Charleston historical landmarks offer rich stories and lasting impressions.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Start with Fort Sumter, the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861. A short ferry ride brings you to the island fort and its exhibits. Charleston Area CVB+1
The Battery & White Point Garden
Walk along The Battery, a scenic promenade lined with antebellum mansions and historic cannons. At the southern tip, White Point Garden offers monuments and water views that reflect Charleston’s strategic past.
Historic Charleston City Market
One of the nation’s oldest public markets, the City Market dates back to the late 1700s. Browse local crafts, sweetgrass baskets, and Lowcountry goods while soaking up history.
Rainbow Row
See the iconic pastel homes of Rainbow Row, a long cluster of restored Georgian houses that are among the most photographed streets in the city.
Charleston Museum
Visit the Charleston Museum, founded in 1773 and known as the oldest museum in the United States. Its exhibits include artifacts from colonial and Civil War eras.
Aiken-Rhett House & Joseph Manigault House
These preserved antebellum homes show how Charleston’s elite once lived. The Aiken-Rhett House offers an unfiltered look at domestic life, and the Joseph Manigault House features Federal-style architecture and period furnishings.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Built in the 1700s, this historic site once served as a customs house, post office, and prison. Guided tours delve into Revolutionary-era life and lore.
These landmarks connect visitors with Charleston’s layered past through immersive experiences, architecture, and stories that shaped the Lowcountry.
