Why Charleston
Charleston is the most populous city in the U.S. state of South Carolina and serves as the seat of Charleston County. Positioned just south of the midpoint along the state's Atlantic coastline, the city surrounds Charleston Harbor, an inlet created by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers. The surrounding metropolitan region extends across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties and stands as the third-largest metropolitan area in South Carolina.
English settlers initially founded the community in 1670 as Charles Town at Albemarle Point along the Ashley River. In 1680, the town moved to its modern location on Oyster Point, where its defensible placement and natural harbor enabled rapid growth. Before European colonization, the area was inhabited by Native American groups including the Cusabo and Ittiwan. Despite facing yellow fever, smallpox, fires, hurricanes, and pirate raids in its early decades, the city grew into a prominent colonial hub and remained the state capital until 1788.
Charleston was a principal hub of the Atlantic slave trade, serving as the entry point for nearly half of the enslaved Africans brought to the United States. Many arrived via local shipping points like Sullivan's Island. This history led to a long-standing majority-Black population and nurtured the distinct Gullah culture and language. The city also developed a diverse early population that included French Huguenot, Scottish, Irish, German, and Sephardi Jewish communities.
Today, Charleston is known for its historic architecture, vibrant culinary scene, and rich arts and music traditions. Visitors can explore well-known places such as the historic City Market, antebellum residences along the Battery and Rainbow Row, and the historic Dock Street Theater. Additional landmarks include St. Michael's Church, the initial settlement site at Charles Towne Landing, and Fort Sumter National Monument located within the harbor.
The local economy is driven by tourism, port logistics, aerospace manufacturing, and a growing technology sector that has earned the area the nickname Silicon Harbor. The Port of Charleston remains one of the busiest commercial shipping centers in the United States, supporting significant trade throughout the region.
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