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10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Charleston SC

1. Arguably Charleston’s most famous land mark, The Ravenel Bridge is actually North Americas longest cable-stayed bridge. The previously named John P. Grace Memorial Bridge was rebuilt and renamed after Arthur Ravenel Jr., the head of the South Carolina Infrastructure Bank in 1999. The bridge towers over the Cooper River and connects Charleston to Mount Pleasant. It was built in order to withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, and shipwrecks.

2. Many are aware of the popular song and dance that originated in the 1920’s named “The Charleston”. The composer of the song, James P. Johnson, said that he was inspired by The Jenkins Orphanage Band, which was formed in The Jenkins Orphanage in Charleston. The dance/song became a symbol of the 1920’s and the jazz age.

3. Historically Charleston is known for pirate attacks. Charleston was a very important harbor in the early 1700’s and there were many valuable merchant ships that attracted pirates. Today, we have numerous accounts of Charleston being raided by some of the most infamous pirates including Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack. One of the most famous attacks by Blackbeard lead to the blockade of the Charleston Harbor, in which he took hostages leaving the city in crippling fear for almost a week.

4. As you walk down the historic streets of Charleston, you might notice a common color among the houses. That color is referred to as Charleston Green, and has a lot of historic significance. After the Civil War, it is said that the Union sent black government-issued paint to Charleston for city members to fix the damages of the war. Charlestonians were not fond of the “Yankee Black” however, and in true southern fashion, decided to add hints of yellow and blue to the paint to create the color Charleston Green.

5. Another one of Charleston’s famous paint jobs is Rainbow Row. Located on East Bay Street, Rainbow Row consists of unique houses all painted in bright pastel colors. In 1931 a woman named Dorothy Porcher Legg boldly decided to paint her houses pastel pink, enticing her neighbors followed in her footsteps. While the houses of Rainbow Row are aesthetically pleasing, pastel colors also help keep the inside of the house’s cooler as well, which is much needed in the heated summers of Charleston.

6. Charleston is known for its beautiful golf courses, but what some might not know is that Charleston was actually the birth place of the first organized American golf game. In 1743 the first shipment of golf equipment was delivered from Scotland to the colonies and The South Carolina Golf Club was formed shortly after in 1786. The members played on what is known as Harelston’s Green.

7. Charleston is also home to the historic military college, The Citadel. The Citadel played a key role in the Civil War and although Fort Sumter is famous for the start of the war, cadets from The Citadel were the first to fire shots in the civil war in 1861. Today the Citadel is ranked #1 Public College in the South.

8. Folly Beach is home to some of the most beautiful views and best restaurants around, however some may not know that it is actually referred to by some as “The Edge of America”. Although there are many theories as to why this is, for the most part it is unknown as to why so many refer to Folly Beach as this. It is known however that two owners of the local Ocean Sports Surf shop coined the name, and it is actually a registered trademark.

9. Many are aware that Charleston is famous for its vast amount of pineapples hidden all over the city. However, many might not be aware of their significance. The pineapple in Charleston is actually a symbol of hospitality and friendship. Historically, when sea captains would return from their voyages, they would place a pineapple at the front of their homes, signifying they had returned and were hospitable.

10. Lastly, Charleston is home to a famous Latin motto “Aedes mores juraque curat” which translates in English to “She guards her buildings customs and more”. Charleston’s unique and historic culture cannot be mistaken, and to this day is one of the most sought-after places to travel.