Why is Charleston, South Carolina called the “Holy City”?

 By: Mark T Reyland, CEO – Chucktown Walking Tours

The designation of Charleston as the “Holy City” is commonly misattributed to the abundance of steeples in the area. However, this association is inaccurate, the name is unrelated to the sheer number of churches present in Charleston.

Another prevalent misconception suggests that the title originated during the early colonial period due to Charleston’s reputation for religious tolerance. Contrary to this belief, historical records reveal that any perceived tolerance during the colonial era in Charleston did not extend to religious practices. The official religion of the colony was Anglican, and those who did not adhere to Anglicanism were barred from holding public office or deriving income from the government. Despite the presence of various religions in Charleston, the term “tolerance” would be a generous characterization, as many residents had to conceal their religious beliefs to avoid potential repercussions.

Although Anglicanism held the status of the official religion, other faiths were permitted to practice discreetly. Notably, the Catholic religion was entirely outlawed in Charleston, with severe consequences for those identified as Catholic. Being labeled a Catholic could result in public punishment, such as being tarred and feathered in the grassy plot behind the state courthouse at the corner of Broad and Meeting Streets. The condemned would then be paraded through Charleston in a wagon, subjected to humiliation before facing banishment from the colonies.

Contrary to its common association with Charleston’s history, the term “Holy City” found its origins in the 1950s when a newspaper columnist named Frank B. Gilbreth Jr., using the pen name Ashly Cooper, coined the phrase in a series of local history columns published in the Post & Courier.

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Photos provided by Charleston Daily.