Glimpses of Charleston

A local's eye view

A Room with a View

This unusual room on Broad Street has quite a view. While built in the early 19th century, most of the details to this building and its neighbors were added after the earthquake of 1886.

This unusual room on Broad Street has quite a view. While built in the early 19th century, most of the details to this building and its neighbors were added after the earthquake of 1886. What a spot to have an office.

Happy Presidents Day!

While many presidents have visited Charleston, there is only one #1 -- and that, of course, is George Washington. This statue of him stands in Washington Square Park, next to City Hall.

While many presidents have visited Charleston, there is only one #1 — and that, of course, is George Washington. This statue of him stands in Washington Square Park, next to City Hall. Washington visited Charleston in 1791, and by all reports he had a really good time. While Washington is claimed to have slept in many places, we know he slept in the Heyward-Washington House on Church Street while he was here. While you may not be able to sleep there, you can certainly visit the house — as it is now operated as a museum house by the Charleston Museum.

Charleston in Bloom!

Spring must be around the corner as Charleston is blooming! This gorgeous pre-revolutionary house on Tradd Street was built for Judge Robert Pringle in 1774. The bay window was not part of the original structure, but is a pretty cool addition. The Judge didn't get a lot of time to enjoy the house, as he died in 1776. His son inherited it and it remained in the Pringle family for another hundred years.

Spring must be around the corner as Charleston is blooming! This gorgeous pre-revolutionary house on Tradd Street was built for Judge Robert Pringle in 1774. The bay window was not part of the original structure, but is a pretty cool addition. The Judge didn’t get a lot of time to enjoy the house, as he died in 1776. His son inherited it and it remained in the Pringle family for another hundred years.

Bee’s Block

This row of houses on Bull Street were nicknamed "Bee's Block" during the Civil War, after their owner William C. Bee, who owned a blockade-running firm. Interesting work, if you can get it.

This row of houses on Bull Street were nicknamed “Bee’s Block” during the Civil War, after their owner William C. Bee, who owned a blockade-running firm. Interesting work, if you can get it.

Triple Threat

This beautiful house on Legare Street in Charleston was built in 1857 and later became the home of Burnet Rhett Maybank -- who in succession was the mayor of Charleston, the governor of South Carolina and then a United States senator. Not a bad career path.

This beautiful house on Legare Street in Charleston was built in 1857 and later became the home of Burnet Rhett Maybank — who in succession was the mayor of Charleston, the governor of South Carolina and then a United States senator. Not a bad career path.

Know Thyself

The Porter's Lodge at the College of Charleston is one of the most visible buildings on campus. It's a prime access point to the Cistern and bears an inscription in Greek that provides some pretty good advice, and not just for students -- "Know Thyself." 

The Porter’s Lodge at the College of Charleston is one of the most visible buildings on campus. It’s a prime access point to the Cistern and bears an inscription in Greek that provides some pretty good advice, and not just for students — “Know Thyself.”

Happy Valentine’s Day

This beautiful gate along the High Battery, at 17 East Battery, is well dressed for Valentine's Day. A loving one to all of you from Glimpses of Charleston.

This beautiful gate along the High Battery, at 17 East Battery, is well dressed for Valentine’s Day. A loving one to all of you from Glimpses of Charleston.

We’re #3!

This classic Charleston scene captures St. Philip's steeple, along with a gas street lamp. The St. Philip's congregation is the oldest in South Carolina -- established in 1680.

This classic Charleston scene captures St. Philip’s steeple, along with a gas street lamp. The St. Philip’s congregation is the oldest in South Carolina — established in 1680. This is incredible building is, however, the third to hold the congregation. The first was was a small wooden structure on the current site of St. Michael’s Church, at the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets (destroyed by a hurricane). The second a brick building at the current church’s location on Church Street was built in 1710. It went through some tough times (including fires, hurricanes and war) — finally succumbing to a large fire in 1835. In 1838, the current church was completed.