During the first half of the 1800's Charleston was one of the wealthiest cities in America. The wealth from rice and cotton plantations as well as thriving commerce allowed planters and merchants to build elegant town houses. Not only were the homes beautiful but the public buildings and churches constructed during this period were magnificent
For reasons unknown, we were not moored at the town, but anchored at the other side of the bay, which meant a zodiac in to land (well they banned zodiacs, so it was by local tender) then a lengthy bus ride over the bridge into town.
The blend of antebellum architecture, cobbled streets and genuine smiles lends Charleston a disarmingly archaic, old-time allure, but there’s a darker side looming here. Intrinsic to the story of the United States, this quiet, peaceful town witnessed the first shots of war, as the nation slipped into its costliest tussle. The cracks of gunfire and booms of cannons rang out at Fort Sumter, sparking the start of the American Civil War." Now a National Monument, sail out to visit the remains of the bombarded fortress where the Union and Confederate States first clashed. Cool off from summer’s humid heat with a wander in the breeze of the Joe Riley Waterfront. The wooden boardwalk lays out views of the elegant span of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and you can even strike it lucky and spot the noses of dolphins emerging from the waters".
Our tour was called " Nineteenth Century Interlude in Charleston". This involved a walk round the streets of Charleston, a visit to the Edmondston-Alston House , lunch at High Cotton restaurant, and a walk round the (tourist) market
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