A local's eye view
The West Point Rice Mill (aka the Historic Rice Mill), c. 1861, sits on the banks of the Ashley River (right next to the Marina Variety Store Restaurant, the best breakfast place in Charleston). The rice (known as Carolina Gold) once made Charleston the richest city in North America.
Although you would think it has to do with its directional orientation, Longitude Lane — which connects East Bay and Church Streets — is not named for its compass reading. You can read all about it here.
This house on Water Street has been sitting in the same spot since 1857. Now, because of flooding and rising sea levels, it and other houses around Charleston are being raised to make them safer from water. This is one of the most impressive I’ve seen so far.
This beautiful house on Meeting Street, c.1740, is known for the original woodwork in its interior. The mantle is believed to have been created by Thomas Elfe, a famous Charleston cabinet maker.
Built before 1810, the house behind this beautiful wall on Legare Street is known as the Sword Gate House — named after its iconic gate made by the master ironworker Christopher Werner.
The Huguenot Church on Church Street traces its congregation back to the 1680’s. The current structure, designed by the famed architect E.B. White, dates back to 1845 — replacing a much simpler plain brick building. The graveyard (which is not a cemetery — a cemetery is away from the church on separate grounds, as opposed to being on the same plot of land) is full of interesting markers and headstones.
This heart-shaped vision can be found in the garden of the John Blake House, built at the very end of the 1700’s, on South Battery.
Built in 1865 on Legare Street, this house is a great example of a Charleston single house. The main entrance is in the middle of the porch. The blue door facing the street is a “hospitality door” — which when left open indicated that the resident was receiving guests. If it was closed, you should get the message.
Built before 1739, the William Elliot House on King Street is one of Charleston’s oldest single houses. Included in its interesting history is that in 1763 it served as a boarding school for young ladies. Now a private home, its beautiful gates always host some pretty flower boxes.
The graveyard at the Circular Congregational Church is beautiful and historic. Seen here from Church Street, it’s believed to be the oldest English burial ground in Charleston — with graves dating back to 1695.