An essential part of the streetscape of Church Street, the Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble. The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration. The Dock Street Theatre also relates the story of Charleston's theater history. In the 1930s, the building was restored by the City of Charleston as a Works Progress Administration project. During this project, a large section was constructed behind the hotel containing a stage and auditorium characteristic of the 18th century. The renovated building took the name of a 1730s theater which stood on the Queen Street (formerly Dock Street) side of the property. This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, a community theater group, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.

Charleston, in Charleston County, is part of the Historic Charleston Region of South Carolina. Discover a place where the past is still present...where gas lit lamps flicker in warm southern breezes and cobblestone streets pave the way to intriguing boutiques and exquisite dining. Encounter story-telling attractions, pristine beaches and world-class golf in one destination that has been welcoming visitors for more than 300 years. Come to the South Carolina Lowcountry and let Charleston's rich past become a part of your family's history.	Charleston Area Regional Transport (CARTA) has Downtown Area Shuttles (DASH) to take you with ease around Charleston and the historic district. The first shots of the Civil War were fired here. Fort Sumter memorializes one of the defining moments in America's past. The preserved national monument is under the management of the National Park Service. Tour boats depart for the fort from the NPS tour boat facility in downtown Charleston.
Built in 1772, the Heyward-Washington House was the home of Thomas Heyward Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence. When George Washington came to Charleston in 1791, the house was rented for his use. The exquisite formal garden is comprised of plants available to Charlestonians during that period. Furnished with magnificent Charleston-made furniture, the collection includes the priceless Holmes bookcase, considered to be the finest example of American-made furniture in existence today. Located in the historic district, the Heyward-Washington House is in the neighborhood used by Dubose Heyward as the setting for Porgy and Bess, and is a National Historic Landmark.	It is the only 18th century house museum in the city with a kitchen building open to the public. America's first museum, The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773. The Museum preserves and interprets the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina coastal region. Objects of historic, archaeological, scientific and ethnological interest illustrate the importance of this area. The Charleston Museum is a wonderful introduction to the Lowcountry and its people, and is conveniently located across from the Charleston Visitor Center. Exhibits focus on early Native Americans, trade & commerce, the plantation system, AfricanAmerican contributions, and Civil War memorabilia.
The Charleston Silver exhibit contains internationally recognized work by local silversmiths and includes objects dating from the colonial period through the late 19th century. An array of clothing, furniture, photographs, ceramics, tools, pewter, toys & games reveal a personal portrait of Charlestonians. The Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, is a premier example of neo-classic architecture. Designed by gentleman-architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother Joseph, the house is one of the most distinguished in the city, capturing the lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family. A fascinating feature of this house is the curving central staircase that accentuates the entrance hall.	Built in 1905, the Gibbes Museum of Art represents a long and impressive tradition of cultural leadership in historic Charleston, providing residents and visitors access to a distinguished collection and an active, year-round schedule of exciting exhibitions, programs and events. The Gibbes Museum of Art maintains approximately 10,000 objects that directly support its mission to "collect, conserve, and interpret an American fine arts collection with a Charleston perspective." This includes objects that reflect the distinct patronage of this region. The strength of the collection lies in its 18th, 19th and early 20th century paintings, works on paper (prints, drawings, watercolors, photographs), miniature portraits, and sculpture. The objects in each medium reinforce the history of Charleston as an important colonial and antebellum city, and today as a tourist destination.

Credit to all the wonderful web sites and material who contributed to this pictorial educational internet collage of historic Charleston SC. The Charleston historic district is only fully appreciated by taking a walking tour of this very sophisticated high style South Carolina city. View historic Charleston real estate for sale downtown.