10 Unique Things about Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, SC is a city with a rich and storied history, and there are many interesting and lesser-known facts about the city that most people may not be aware of. Here are a few examples:

1. Charleston was the site of the first public college in America. The College of Charleston was founded in 1770 and is still in operation today.
2. The city is home to the oldest public garden in America. The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens was established in 1676 and is open to the public for tours and events.
3. The first shot of the Civil War was fired in Charleston. On April 12, 1861, Confederate forces fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, marking the beginning of the Civil War.
4. The historic Charleston City Market is one of the oldest public markets in America. It has been in continuous operation since 1804.
5. Charleston is home to the only surviving antebellum fireproof building in the United States. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon was built in 1771 and was used as a military prison during the Revolutionary War.
6. The city has a long history of ghost stories and supernatural sightings. Many of the city’s historic buildings are said to be haunted, including the Old Jail and the Battery Carriage House Inn.
7. Charleston was once the capital of the Carolina colony. The city served as the capital from 1670 to 1785, when it was replaced by Columbia.
8. The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality in Charleston. The fruit was once a rare and exotic luxury in the city, and was often used as a centerpiece at social gatherings to signify welcome and hospitality.
9. Charleston was once known as the “City of Churches.” At one time, there were more than 400 churches in the city, earning it this nickname.
10. Charleston has a unique architectural style known as “Charleston single house.” These narrow, tall homes have a distinctive side entry and are a common sight in the city’s historic neighborhoods.

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