-- Rhett Butler, in 1939 movie, "Gone with the Wind"
I finally gave in. The pull of Charleston, SC was too great this summer. In June I boarded a plane intent on visiting landmarks, being charmed by art and architecture, seeing a few friends, and relaxing at the beach.
I have always heard Charleston is known for many things; balmy humid weather (of which I was not looking forward to), Southern charm, heavy European influence, grandeur, Palmetto Bugs (large flying cockroaches), and delicious food!
I have learned through many years of school and amazing history teachers that Charleston or as it was known Charles Town is rich in historical significance. The Carolina Territory was granted to the Lord Proprietors in the year 1663 by Charles II of England. Excitement for this land grew from the idea that Charles Town would be a great port city that could expand trade routes and English importance. Settled in 1670 Charles Town became the capital of the Carolina Colony and grew rapidly absorbing settlers from Virginia, Barbados, and of course England. Slowly the town grew recognition becoming the cultural and economic center of the South and at one point was fourth largest port in the colonies. Because of it's ideal location to receive goods and trade the town was often under attack from Pirates, Native Americans, Spain, and France to name a few. The town became fortified and armed with abundant naval reserve as well as trained men.
I have always heard Charleston is known for many things; balmy humid weather (of which I was not looking forward to), Southern charm, heavy European influence, grandeur, Palmetto Bugs (large flying cockroaches), and delicious food!
I have learned through many years of school and amazing history teachers that Charleston or as it was known Charles Town is rich in historical significance. The Carolina Territory was granted to the Lord Proprietors in the year 1663 by Charles II of England. Excitement for this land grew from the idea that Charles Town would be a great port city that could expand trade routes and English importance. Settled in 1670 Charles Town became the capital of the Carolina Colony and grew rapidly absorbing settlers from Virginia, Barbados, and of course England. Slowly the town grew recognition becoming the cultural and economic center of the South and at one point was fourth largest port in the colonies. Because of it's ideal location to receive goods and trade the town was often under attack from Pirates, Native Americans, Spain, and France to name a few. The town became fortified and armed with abundant naval reserve as well as trained men.
The history of Charleston has not always been pleasant or easy in conversation. Being a southern state with prominence, inhabitants were active in the Civil War part of the Rebel South, which would later be defeated by Northerners. The cities wide mouth to the sea and high traffic trade routes opened a slave market. Exporting Native Americans through the Indian Slave Trade of the 17th century to the West Indies, exporting more Native Americans than imported Africans to all United State colonies of this time. Africans were also traded through the port of Charles Town from Barbados to work plantations of wealthy merchants.
SPIRITUALITY in Charleston
Being a heavily saturated area built from people and cultures from all areas of the world many faiths were present. Protestants, Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, and Judaism were all practiced in close proximity to one another.