Choose Charleston

Welcome to Charleston, SC. We are at the center of the universe. Just ask any resident.

It has been said about Charleston, SC that it lies on a peninsula where the Ashley and the Cooper Rivers converge to form the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Nearby Folly Beach calls itself the “Edge of America.” To further indicate our sacred status, Charleston, SC is nicknamed “The Holy City.” It’s easy to see where the nickname came from, especially when approacing the city by water. The tallest structures visible, even today are usually steeples. By some counts, there are more than 60 houses of worship on the peninsula alone, while others count over a hundred. We’re a diverse group.

Other than all the churches and temples, we have another reason to believe we’re number 1. There have been a lot of number ones here. For many years during the early life of the colonies, and the young United States, Charleston, SC was a leading light. We are still a leader in many areas. Here, we present you with some samples of a few of the areas in which we lead the country.

• The Dock Street Theater was the first building constructed for theatrical productions in America.
• Dr. John Lining made the first recorded weather observations in America from his home on Broad and King Streets.
• The first fire insurance company in America was the Friendly Society for the mutual Insuring of Houses Against Fire.
• The oldest library in the South was established here in 1748.
• The Charleston Museum opened as the first public museum in America.
• The first railway mail service and railway passenger service were established in Charleston.
• America’s first woman artist, was Henrietta Johnston of Charleston.
• America’s first native, professionally trained architect was Robert Mills of Charleston.
• The first science museum in America was established in Charleston in 1748.
• Charleston was home to the first golf course in America. Known as Harleston Green the course was established in 1786 at what is now downtown Charleston. It is widely believed that the term ‘green fee’ was coined here as a means of maintaining this course.
  
  Of course, you’ll find plenty to do in Charleston. We’ll be discussing much of it here in the Blog. Whether you are interested in history or culture, sports or nightlife, literature or the great outdoors, you’ll find it here.delete it, then start blogging!

  Image Credit: NASA, ESA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)