Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is one of the nation’s most popular moving destinations. The districts of the city contain a wide variety of attractive locations and historic landmarks. While in Charleston, you can expect to find a rich mixture of hospitality and charm echoing of the "Old South." Whether it is the churches or attractions of the Downtown and Historic Districts, historic houses, the fine cuisine found in the Mount Pleasant District, or any of the appealing landmarks found in the city, expect to be welcomed by the optimism of this southern gem.
History:
Charleston was incorporated in 1783, and was later named the city capital in 1776 until moved to Columbia in 1790. During years of the American Revolution, the British occupied the city. Freed from British trade restrictions, Charleston prospered as the chief winter port of the US until the War of 1812. It had a large trade in the Caribbean and exported cotton and rice. As the South's oldest city, Charleston led the fight for states' rights from the beginning of that movement up to the configuration of the Confederacy. The completion of jetties through the harbor bar in the late 1800s provided Charleston with a deepwater entrance, and in 1901, a US naval base was established on the Cooper River. The base was expanded in both World Wars I and II, and during the Cold War Charleston became greatly reliant on US Defense facilities, as it was the location of a naval shipyard and naval supply and distribution centers. The port's trade also expanded rapidly after World War II, and the nearby Santee Cooper hydroelectric project helped Charleston’s industrial progress.
Economy:
The economy in Charleston rests upon numerous sturdy economic bases. The military has customarily been the major industry in the area since the Charleston Naval Shipyard was created. Even since the Naval Base and Shipyard closed in 1996, the military has remained the largest employer in the city. Oil, mining, electronics, computers and health care are also major industries in Charleston. Three of the region's largest employers are in the health care industry. Tourism is another major factor in the city’s economy. The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, the nation's oldest chamber of commerce, has long been interested in promoting Charleston as a place to visit, and despite fires, wars, hurricanes and earthquakes, Charleston has preserved and renovate hundreds of historic buildings that draw some four and a half million tourists per year. Visitors enjoy shopping and dining, as well as touring historic plantations and landmarks. Tourism contributes an estimated $5 billion to the city’s economy annually.
Tourism:
According to research from the Chamber's Center for Business Research, Charleston visitors and residents say that the city’s greatest resources are its historic charm, historic sites and restaurants. Charleston is frequently considered one of the most beautiful cities in America: Gorgeous Southern-style homes, a historic waterfront area and beautiful parks. Check out the famed Battery overlooking Fort Sumter. Complete your visit with a step back in time to the Joseph Manigault House, or explore Downtown, where there is plenty to see and do. Besides the historic buildings and landmarks that you will want to visit, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping around the city. Visitors and residents will find the Downtown area of Charleston to be a convenient starting point for getting to know the city’s lively combination of old and new, offering an assortment of attractions suitable for everyone.
Colleges/Universities:
• Medical University of South Carolina
• College of Charleston
• The Citadel
• Charleston School of Law
• Trident Technical College
• The American College of the Building Arts
Interesting Facts:
• Charleston boasts the first public college, museum and playhouse in the country.
• The first game of golf played in the U.S. took place in Charleston.
• North America's longest cable-stayed bridge spans the Charleston Harbor.
Helpful Links:
• Charleston Real Estate
• Charleston Storage Facility
• Charleston Insurance
• Charleston Dental Offices
• Charleston Moving Guide
• Charleston Official Website