5 Unique Little Tidbits about Charleston, South Carolina (Did you know?)

By Mark A. Leon

How much do you know about Charleston, South Carolina. We are about to find out.

Here are 5 somewhat rare facts about downtown Charleston, SC:

1. The Dock Street Theatre, built in 1736, is considered the first building constructed specifically for theatrical performances in America.

2. Charleston was home to America’s first female newspaper editor and publisher, Elizabeth Ann Timothy, who took over the South Carolina Gazette in 1738.

3. The layout of downtown Charleston is nearly identical to Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, with features like cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and crepe myrtle trees mirrored in both cities.

4. One of the theories surrounding the infamous Lavinia Fisher, dubbed America’s first female serial killer, suggests her arrest and execution may have been a setup, and she may have been innocent.

5. Many historic Charleston homes have ceilings on their piazzas (covered porches) painted “haint blue,” a soft blue-green color used by Gullah Geechee people to ward off evil spirits.

Related Articles (Now that we have your interest)

• 10 Things You Might Not Know about Charleston – South Carolina (Discover South Carolina)
• Fun Facts for Charleston SC 
• Charleston, SC Historical Facts – Greg Harrelson 
• The Colony’s Colony: The Barbados-Charleston Connection