Must Visit Historical Sites & Museums in Charleston, SC
If you’re looking for things to do in Charleston and love historical sites then you’ve come to the right place. Charleston is a city steeped in history and brimming with charm. Take a stroll down cobblestone streets that were used as ships ballast (ships needed additional weight to sail safely for balance if they were not transporting a full load) in Colonial times. These ships carried everything from general goods, tea, indigo, cotton and sadly helped fuel the Slave trade. Below we’ll highlight the top historical sites you won’t want to miss, with the added convenience of using a Charleston TourPass to streamline your adventure.
The Battery & White Point Gardens
This significant historical landmark has deep roots dating back to the early days of American colonization. The Battery is situated at the southernmost tip of the Charleston Peninsula, a site historically referred to as Oyster Point when it was first settled in the late 17th century. Colonists first settled the Charleston area at Charles Towne Landing.
Defense of the City: The Battery serves as a key defensive position during various conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The seawall known as The Battery was a crucial fortification with cannons still on display today that were used to defend against naval attacks.
Pirate & Public Executions: In the early 18th century, Charleston was plagued by Pirates who attacked ships and nearby settlements. White Point Gardens became the infamous site where pirates were executed by hanging on the majestic branches of the many live oak trees that still stand today. The most famous Pirate, Stede Bonnet (known as the Gentleman Pirate) was captured, he and his crew were hanged with their bodies left for days as a grim warning to other would-be-pirates. These trees were also used to punish others in the city for alleged wrong-doings such as Slave punishments and criminal offenses.
A Park with Beautiful Mansions: In modern times, this site with such a dark past is a popular picnic and park where weddings take place in the gazebo and beautiful mansions line it’s perimeter.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
The original site of the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas, established in 1670. This vast living history park offers a glimpse into the early Colonial days with a replica 17th-century trading vessel that can be boarded, beautiful gardens, biking and walking paths along with an outdoor zoo with animals that range from bisons, panthers, eagles, bears and more.
This attraction is included on the Charleston TourPass.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Built in 1771, the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is one of the most significant buildings in the founding of America. Throughout history, this building served various purposes including a Customs House, Post Office, headquarters for the British during occupation, a military prison and entertainment venue for the first President George Washington. Beneath the museum is the Dungeon you can tour that held captive Revolutionary War Patriots and everything in-between.
Old Slave Mart Museum
This museum brings to light the cruel Slave trade that occurred in Charleston. This building once served as a Slave auction site known as Ryan’s Mart. It’s one of the few remaining structures used for this purpose in the U.S. This museum educates visitors on the sad history of the transatlantic Slave Trade and the impact on Slavery on those enslaved.
This attraction is included on the Charleston TourPass.
Fort Sumter
The starting point of the Civil War where the first shots were fired on April 12, 1861. Take a ferry ride to the Fort with Fort Sumter Tours and enjoy picturesque views and highlights of the Charleston Harbor. Upon arrival at the Fort, Park Rangers lead tours that delve into its history and significance on Charleston and the formation of the U.S.
This attraction is included on the Charleston TourPass.
Powder Magazine Museum
The oldest public bulding in the Carolinas, the Powder Magazine was used to store gunpowder and munitions during the Colonial period and played a crucial role in the defense of the city. Now a museum which educates Visitors about Colonial Charleston, history of the region and architectural practices of the 1700s.
This attraction is included on the Charleston TourPass.
Charleston Area Plantations
There are a number of Charleston Plantations that played a dark role in the Slave trade set on a beautiful background of beautiful gardens, mansions which is paradoxical to say the least. All of the Plantations today provide programs to Visitors which tell the story of Slave life and what they had to endure along with examples of their dwellings.
Drayton Hall
Included on TourPass
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Included on TourPass
Boone Hall Plantation
Included on TourPass
McLeod Plantation
Included on TourPass
Middleton Place
Charleston House Museums
A well-preserved antebellum mansion that showcases the life of the Charleston elite along with telling the story of the grim conditions of those who were enslaved here.
This attraction is included on the Charleston TourPass.
Aiken Rhett House
Included on TourPass
Nathaniel Russel House
Included on TourPass
Heyward Washington House
Included on TourPass
Joseph Manigault House
Included on TourPass
The Charleston Museum
The Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the U.S., founded in 1773. This museum provides an invaluable opportunity to explore the vast array of historical topics through its well-preserved collections. Anyone interested in understanding the depth and breadth of American history, particularly as it pertains to the Charleston region should visit.
Two historical house museums that can be visited are operated by the Charleston Museum; the Joseph Manigualt House (located across the street to the museum) and the Heyward Washington House (located in South of Broad Street) are also worth a visit.
All three of these attraction are included on the Charleston TourPass.
Recommended Guided Tours to Explore Charleston's History
It’s much easier to digest and understand history when being told first-hand by a historical expert Tour Guide. Below are some of the best guided tours that are all included on our Charleston TourPass to make the most of your experience in the city.
Carriage Tours (both daytime and haunted options)
Walking Tours: daytime historical tours along with ghost and graveyard, dungeon tours at the Old Exchange and many other options are available to choose from.
Fort Sumter Tours
Harbor Tours
Mini-Bus Tours
House Museum Tours
To fully maximize your Charleston vacation, look into the Charleston TourPass which has been found to make touring easier since all tours allowed on the pass have to be vetted. TourPass also savies time researching and booking tours and includes skip the line access making figuring out what to do a breeze.
Maximize Your Vacay with TourPass
To fully maximize your Charleston vacation, look into the Charleston TourPass which has been found to make touring easier since all tours allowed on the pass have to be vetted. TourPass also savies time researching and booking tours and includes skip the line access making figuring out what to do a breeze. Go to Charleston TourPass info page
