Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.historiccharleston.org
;
48 Elizabeth St; admission $10; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 2-5pm Sun)
The only surviving urban plantation, this house gives a fascinating glimpse into antebel-
lum life. The role of slaves is also presented, and you can wander into the dorm-style
quarters behind the main house. The Historic Charleston Foundation manages the house
with a goal of preserving and conserving, but not restoring, the property, meaning there
have been few alterations.
Joseph Manigault House
HISTORIC BUILDING
(
www.charlestonmuseum.org
;
350 Meeting St; admission $10; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm Sun)
The three-story Federal-style house was once the showpiece of a French Huguenot rice
planter. Don't miss the tiny neoclassical temple in the garden.
Nathaniel Russell House
HISTORIC BUILDING
(
www.historiccharleston.org
;
51 Meeting St; adult/child $10/5; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 2-5pm Sun,
last tour 4:15pm)
Built by a Rhode Islander, known in Charleston as 'the king of the Yan-
kees,' the 1808 Federal-style house is noted especially for its spectacular, self-supporting
spiral staircase and lush English garden.
Marion Square
Formerly home to the state weapons arsenal, this 10-acre park is Charleston's living
room, with various monuments and an excellent Saturday farmers market.
Charleston Museum
MUSEUM
(
www.charlestonmuseum.org
;
360 Meeting St; adult/child $10/5; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm
Sun)
Founded in 1773, this claims to be the country's oldest museum. It's informative if
you're looking for more historic background after strolling through the Historic District.
Exhibits spotlight various periods of Charleston's long and storied history, and artifacts
range from prehistoric whale skeletons to slave tags and Civil War weapons.
Aquarium Wharf
Aquarium Wharf surrounds pretty Liberty Sq and is a great place to stroll and watch the
tugboats guiding ships into the fourth-largest container port in the US. The wharf is one
of two embarkation points for tours to Fort Sumter, the other is at Patriot's Point (
Click
