A Visit to Charleston, SC: The Holy City

 

With its Spanish moss-covered trees, cobblestone streets, charming historic district, scrumptious array of dining establishments, and a friendly atmosphere to boot, the city of Charleston has continually been voted one of the best cities to visit. Founded in 1670, this South Carolina port city has been witness to history from the antebellum and Civil War periods up until the modern era. From stately homes in the Battery district to plantations and picture perfect beaches to buzzing markets, the city of Charleston serves up history and a good time for all on a Charleston educational student tour. Although during the summer the heat and humidity may be high, Charleston offers visitors a cool mix of art and entertainment, beautiful architecture, and hidden treasures that can rival even the largest of travel destinations. No matter if you’re visiting for the first time on a Charleston student tour or revisiting a familiar haunt, the Holy City will always welcome you home. Join me for discovering a new favorite!

 

It’s no wonder history buffs flock to this great city as it’s where Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie are located. Both having served a prominent role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, they now stand as a reminder of our nation’s complicated history. Looking out over Charleston Harbor, one will be able to see Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War rang out as well as Fort Moultrie where the patriots dealt a devastating blow to the Royal Navy in 1776. These protectors of the harbor are incredibly significant, and students and educators will have the opportunity to visit both on their Charleston student tour itinerary if they are so inclined.

 

From Magnolia Plantation and Gardens to Middleton Place and Boone Hall, these historic homes play an important role in preserving the past but also serving as a reminder of the atrocities that many African Americans experienced while being enslaved on their grounds. No Charleston educational tour is complete without a visit to one of these stately homes. With many situated along the scenic live oak Ashley River Road, they all have a story to tell. An essential experience for all students and educators, Middleton Place is one that continually strives to preserve the past by shining a light on the Middleton family and their contributions. Their stories are OUR stories. From the Colonial period right through the Revolution, the antebellum and Civil War time and the many years following, the course of our nation was forever changed. Choose one or two, or spend a whole day, plantation hopping as you admire the grandeur of these buildings and the furnishings inside. But remember, even though these places can stir up mixed emotions, they each serve as a testament for what individuals can accomplish as well as overcome. What will you feel?

 

Heading back into downtown, is where you’ll find The College of Charleston, The Citadel, Waterfront Park, the South Carolina Aquarium, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, and The Charleston Museum among other attractions. Known as “America’s First Museum,” The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773 by the Charleston Library Society and is where Charleston’s story begins. With a vast collection, Charleston student tours will discover exhibits on a wide range of topics. Curated to inspire conversation and spark curiosity, The Charleston Museum does a fantastic job preserving, interpreting, and telling the stories of the past while catering also to modern times. Beginning with exhibits on Native Americans and early settlers, students will discover their history through the Low Country History Hall. From rare slave badges and tools for rice growing, the collections evolve to showcase weaponry, life during the early Revolution, and the role Charleston played in the Civil War. But that’s not all! The Charleston Museum also has a wonderful collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, an Egyptian mummy, silver (be on the lookout for George Washington’s christening cup), and an outstanding textiles collection. With so many fantastic offerings, you never know what you’ll find inside the museum!

 

When the heat of the day starts to subside and dusk begins to fall, a nice evening stroll along The Battery and White Point Garden will be just what your Charleston student tour needs. Admire where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet the Charleston Harbor as you promenade along the seawall. Established in 1837 as a public garden, it soon became a Battery Ramsey at the start of the Civil War. Take notice of the historic mortars and canons as well a Confederate Monument and remember that just across the harbor is where the course of our nation was forever changed. This area is also where some of Charleston’s most stately homes and mansions are located. A view that can’t be beat!

 

As the crown jewel of the South, Charleston shines from any way you view it. Visit one of its many historic attractions, soak up the beauty of its beaches, enjoy a day outside experiencing history under the Spanish moss-draped live oaks, or shop for a sweetgrass basket at the popular Charleston City Market. The city of Charleston always makes for a good bet on an educational student tour. As you explore the historic district, you’ll feel as if you’ve journeyed back in time. The cuisine is out of this world making you realize why it’s such a foodie haven. The charming downtown with its cobblestone streets and colorful homes are just waiting for you to experience them on a walking tour! For whatever reason your Charleston student tour brings you to this city full of Southern charm, there’s no doubt you’ll leave the low country only wanting to turn right back around and experience its beauty and significance all over again.

 

Are you ready? EA Tours can’t wait to help you plan the Charleston educational tour of a lifetime!