The colonists, searching for security and wealth, discover our rich pluff mud is the perfect environment for the cultivation of rice. Carolina gold! Cultivated on high ground is indigo, the original source of blue dye for denim, and sea island cotton. Once the means of creating fantastic wealth becomes obvious, the cry for field labor promotes expansion of the English slave trade. By the early 1700's, Charles Towne's population is an African majority. The most cosmopolitan city of eighteenth century America flourishes. Fast forward to the Revolution. On July 4th, 1776, picture the fourth largest municipality in the colonies, the richest per capita. Revolution arouses the citizenry. Three signers of the Declaration of Independence own homes here. The Palmetto State is born in Charles Town, the capital of South Carolina. Renamed in 1783, Charleston remains the hub of Carolina long after the Revolution. President George Washington visits in 1791. The Exchange where he is entertained, the house where he stays, and the church where he prays, are all open to the public today.

Circa 1704

Journey into the nineteenth century. South Carolinian John C. Calhoun gives powerful voice to the cause of strong state government. The great colonial city of the South is now the cradle of secession. In 1860 the Ordinance of Secession is signed here; within six months confederate troops fire on Fort Sumter. War begins. Charleston, home to real-life versions of Rhett Butler, harbors blockade runners who supply the Confederacy. With the end of the Civil War, America moves into the 20th century, unequivocally, as "The United States".

The abolition of slavery alters virtually everyone and everything here. The production of wealth withers. Reconstruction government departs and local leaders seize control of city and state. Segregation becomes the law of the land.

Left at the edge of American history, sultry, decaying,a beauty "mellowed by time", Charleston enters the twentieth century.Still inhabited by descendants of colonial days, but overlooked by others, she is preserved. We've arrived to 1931. While the Depression bleeds America, Charlestonians pass the first preservation ordinance in our country. From now on, this gem of a city shall be protected, polished and put on display. Our living museum of American history awaits your arrival. Join us on a present day adventure into the past.