In 1663, Charles II had his eight faithful friends, known as the Lords Proprietor. After seven years of planning, the Lords finally arranged the settlement, which was named Charles Town. Charles Town was established in 1670 on the banks of the beautiful Ashley River. One of the Lord’s Proprietors, Anthony Ashley-Cooper picked the location on the promise that Charles Town would become a “great porte town”. As the settlement grew in population, the need to move to new location forced a move to the peninsula that Charleston is currently located.
Not everyone was thrilled with the success of the young settlement. France and Spain attacked Charles Town routinely as they contested claim of the land. In addition to France and Spain, Native American’s also resisted the growing community which took over the land the Native American’s once hunted and lived. In fear, Charles Town colonists put up a huge wall around the entire colony to survive the attacks from sea (Pirates) and land. The modern day Charleston features only two buildings left from the protected colony, the Pink House which was a tavern that hosted community gatherings, and the Powder Magazine, a building that stored the city’s gunpowder.
In 16800, the Grand Modell, laid out a plan to build a “regular town” and build Charleston into the future. Deciding the need for a Civic Square, land was set aside where Meeting and Broad Streets met which later become known as the Four Corners of Law. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church was built on the corner in 1752 and is known as Charleston’s oldest and most famous church. In addition to the church, the capitol of the colony was built in 1753. It was said that provincial court met on the first floor, while Royal Governor’s Council and the Commons House of Assembly met on the second floor.
If you would like to go deeper into Charleston’s history, then visit Charleston History. Planning a vacaton to Charleston? Then I would suggest going to the Charleston Musuem!
