Can't Miss Historical Charleston Landmarks

One of the most noticeable structures on the streets of Charleston is the unique row of colorful houses. They were affectionately called Rainbow Row after their beautiful pastel colored exteriors. Extending from north of Tradd St. to South of Elliot St., these 13 homes are the longest row of Georgian rowhomes in the United States. There are a number of myths circulating behind the reasons for the paint colors, but nevertheless, they are still the most photographed landmark in Charleston, SC.

In 1680, 10 years after Charleston, SC was settled, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church was founded. Due to a hurricane that destroyed the building and led to the ultimate redevelopment of the church, the description for the Church on the National Register of Historic Places has it being built in 1836. However, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, now located on 142nd Street, is the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina.

This house was originally occupied by wealthy merchant, John Robinson, who eventually put the house up for sale, becoming one of the most iconic homes for Sale in South Carolina at the time. He sold the house to William Aiken, who upon his death bestowed the house to his son, William Aiken Jr. William Aiken Jr. went on to become a notable statesman and governor of South Carolina. Located on 48 Elizabeth Street in downtown Charleston, the Aiken-Rhett House is one of the most well-preserved early 19th-century townhomes in Charleston. It is currently a popular wedding and event venue

This eight-lane bridge is the main connector between Charleston and Mount Pleasant. Built out of a necessity for improving safety and ship passage, former U.S. Congressman Arthur Ravenel Jr. helped establish the funding that would later provide for the bridge’s development. The cable-stayed bridge is built to handle shipping accidents and comes with a beautiful and safe bike path. The annual USA Track & Field 10,000 meter run occurs on this bridge.

It’s no surprise that another church has made this list. Charleston is nicknamed “The Holy City” for a reason. Emanuel AME Church, often referred to as Mother Emanuel, is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the southern United States. It was a source of hope and salvation for the first independent black denomination in the United States, south of the Mason-Dixon.