City history
Explore the deep history of Charleston, from its colonial roots as Charles Town to its role as a pivotal maritime and historical hub in the American South.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Named in honor of King Charles II"
The settlement was formally established by English colonists in 1670, serving as a primary and vital colonial port for the region.
Honorific for King Charles II
During the colonial era, the name was commonly written as two separate words.
Standardized name
The spelling was modernized and unified following the American Revolution.
Chapter two
Adoption of standardized railroad time across the United States, transitioning away from local solar time to facilitate travel.
The first widespread use of daylight saving time in the United States to conserve energy during the First World War.
Chapter three
English settlers established Charles Town on the coast of South Carolina, marking the beginning of permanent European settlement.
The bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor marked the official and violent beginning of the American Civil War.
The designation of the historic district as a National Historic Landmark helped protect its unique architectural and cultural heritage.