15 Quirky and Silly Facts about Charleston, South Carolina

July 1, 2024 Charleston Daily 0 Lowcountry,

By Mark A. Leon

We always love to educate and help our residents and visitors learn about the origins of our beautiful Charleston home. Here are 15 quirky and somewhat silly facts about Charleston, SC that are less commonly known:

1. The city was briefly known as “Oyster Point”. It was named for the prehistoric oyster shell ring mounds left by indigenous tribes in the days before Charles Town was settled in the 1670s.

2. Local legend claims pineapples on doors announced a ship captain’s return home and welcomed visitors.

3. The infamous pirate Blackbeard once blockaded Charleston’s harbor demanding medicine, not treasure.

4. “Charleston Green” paint was created by mixing Union army black paint with Southern yellow to avoid using “Yankee black”.

5. Buzzards (called “Charleston eagles”) were legally protected for keeping the old city market clean.

6. The colorful houses of Rainbow Row were not painted to help drunk sailors, but because a couple decided to paint their house pink in 1935.

7. George Gershwin composed “Porgy and Bess” while living on Folly Beach.

8. Buildings in Charleston can’t be taller than the highest church steeple.

9. The city’s layout is almost identical to Bridgetown, Barbados.

10. Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie under the alias Edgar A. Perry.

11. Some believe Lavinia Fisher, supposedly America’s first female serial killer, haunts the Old City Jail.

12. A World War II gun turret occasionally appears on Sullivan’s Island beach after certain weather conditions.

13. The pineapple is used as a symbol of hospitality throughout the city.

14. Charleston’s single houses have front doors on the side, not facing the street.

15. The city is home to America’s first theater, first public college, and first museum – a trifecta of firsts.

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Charleston Daily

Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.