Charleston by Carriage

A slow-paced, guided carriage ride through Charleston, South Carolina's historic district is a good way to learn about its history. Charleston is a city that should be savored and taken at a leisurely pace. 

The city is an old one - the oldest in South Carolina. It was established in 1670 and names Charles Town in honor of King Charles II of England. The town formed around the harbor on an inlet where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers empty into the Atlantic Ocean. It's a city filled with rich history, distinctive architecture, and Southern hospitality. By 1680, Charles Town was the fifth largest city in North America. In 1783, it changed its name to Charleston.

The old Southern homes have been well-preserved, and it's easy to image earlier times. Traditional wrought iron railings and fencing were often donated to be made into weapons and ammunition during the Civil War. They were usually replaced with wooden structures, some of which were painted black to resemble the original iron works.

The area has a long growing season, and the vegetation is lush. Mid-summer temperatures can be steamy, but winters are mild, and springs and falls are comfortable. The favorable conditions encouraged agriculture, and Charleston was a hub of business and social activity for the surrounding farms and plantations.

Although most of the traditional Charleston homes are white with black shutters, Charleston is painted in a rainbow of colors. In fact, the oldest home there is the Pink House, built around 1700. Rainbow Row has houses in a kaleidoscope of colors. A carriage ride will give you time to enjoy it all.

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