Friday, November 21, 2008

Charleston...


We are definitely getting acquainted with Charleston. Our first day touring the city we found ourselves on King Street, in the shopping district, and as we passed all the upscale stores asked ourselves where historic Charleston was. Well we were a block or two off but since then have found the Old City Market with its flea market and restaurants and the old residential community.

The houses are amazing and while the Calhoun Mansion boasts that it is the largest home in Charleston at 24,000 square foot, the reality is that it just seems a mere bit bigger than many of the other homes in the area. The gardens, even in the off season, are a delight as is the varying architecture.

We continue to be surprised by Charleston history and the its significance in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Thursday we toured the Old Exchange and the Provost Dungeon. The dungeon was used over the years to hold pirates prisoner until they were put on trial and later hung but was also used to hold captive those who committed treason against Britain’s Charles II. As an exchange it was the building which levied stamp and customs taxes. The proceeds from which were returned to Britain. With Charleston plantations flourishing, the taxes were estimated to represent about one third of the royal revenues. We often hear about the significance of the Boston Tea Party in our US history classes but rarely do we hear of other US communities rebelling as well – which is exactly what Charleston did. Pretty interesting stuff.

The Admiral
11/16-11/20

2 comments:

Dave said...

So, where did you dock up in Charleston? Chris and I did a boat trip down to the Charleston Harbor Marina one time. If we did that trip again (Lake Moultrie to Charleston), we were going to look at the Ashley River marina.

Glad to hear things are going well, and have a safe journey south. Make sure to stop in Beaufort, SC!

Captain Dave and Admiral Joanne said...

Hi Dave, We stayed at the Charleston Maritne Center, right next to the Aquarium which was very convenient to the old town. Didn't stop at Beaufort as we needed to get down to St. Marys for Thanksgiving. This turned out to be a good thing as there was a bridge which was broken down that way. Dave