Charleston

“Charleston County and the city of Charleston, its county seat, are the most historic locations in the state.”

“Charleston County and the city of Charleston, its county seat, are the most historic locations in the state.” Situated in the Lowcountry, the county serves as a popular vacation destination but also relies on the business that results from its port. The area in general serves as a large cultural and economic hub for the state.

Charleston County was founded as Charleston District in 1769, and the district became smaller after some of its lands were used to create Colleton and Berkeley counties. The county and its seat were named after King Charles II.

The city and county are saturated with Revolutionary War and Civil War history. Three signers of the United States Constitution and two famous abolitionists resided in Charleston County, and the Civil War began when soldiers fired shots from the county’s Fort Sumter.

"Onward, 54th!" | Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie
Episode 4

Video

Episode 4 focuses on the attempts of the North to take back Fort Sumter and hopefully bring the war to an end. This episode illustrates the struggles of African American soldiers who fought bravely on...
Welcome to Fort Sumter | Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie
Episode 1

Video

This episode introduces the student to the social history of South Carolina, the rise of Charleston as an important shipping center, and the building of the fort where the Civil War began. It further...
Palmetto Rose | Go For It

Video

From frond to rose, Devyn visits Charleston’s City Market to learn how to fold a Palmetto Rose.
Avery Research Center - Photo Gallery | Let's Go!
Avery Research Center - Photo Gallery | Let's Go!

Photo

This Avery Research Center photo gallery features the following images: The Avery Center Avery Normal Institute Reverend Charles Avery Avery students in library African sculptures Book collections...
Avery Research Center | Let's Go!

Video

The Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture is located on the site of the former Avery Normal Institute. It was a hub for Charleston’s African American community from 1865–1954...
3D VR - Avery Research Center | Let's Go!
3D VR - Avery Research Center | Let's Go!

Interactive

The Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture is located on the site of the former Avery Normal Institute. It was a hub for Charleston’s African American community from 1865–1954...