USCGC DALLAS (WHEC 716)
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
WELCOME TO CHARLESTON, SC
Much like today, Charleston played host to an international
crowd in its earliest times and was
influenced by the French, Spanish, German,
Swiss, Santo Domingan, African, Native American and Caribbean cultures. The
first white settlers, mostly British and some Irish, sailed into the harbor
in 1670 and continued up the Ashley River, where they founded the original
settlement of Charles Towne. A decade later, they moved back down the river
to establish a permanent home atop the mounds of oyster shells where the Ashley
and Cooper Rivers come together.
In 1725, the British issued the "Grand Modell," their plan for fashioning a proper town from 600 acres at the mouth of the harbor. The settlement became a bustling English port, and the merchant-planter aristocracy set the stage for Charles Towne's most opulent days. The worldwide popularity of the area's rice and indigo made the city one of the wealthiest in the world, and its residents delighted in the pleasures of art, music and theater.
Following its liberation in 1783, the town shortened its name to Charleston and enjoyed continued growth after adding cotton and tobacco to its exports. In 1861, the first shots of the Civil War rang out over Fort Sumter in Charleston's harbor, and years of devastation ensued, bringing an end to one of the most prosperous cultures of modern times. Despite the economic ruin, Charleston's architecture was fortunate enough to be spared from Sherman's fiery wrath, a blessing that set the stage for the pioneering of preservation.
Charlestonians sought hope to face the 20th century, and inspiration came with the establishment of a Navy base and the discovery of phosphate, a valuable organic fertilizer. As people learned to do without splendor and appreciate necessities, the historically significant architecture was again spared -- this time from "progress." In 1934, a 23-block area was named the nation's first historic district, and today, it's the country's largest with 1000 acres.
Despite having been ravaged for hundreds of years by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, war and disease, Charleston has maintained its grandeur, gentility and hospitality. What other community could weather so much disaster and destruction and still manage to be named the Most Polite City in the US for five years running? Charleston's strength can be found in its resilient people and the beauty of its swamps, shores and tidal creeks. We are fortunate to live in such a tranquil, historic place, and we invite you to visit Lowcountry South Carolina and consider making it your home.
THINGS TO DO:
There are so many things to keep you occupied in Charleston that you might have a tough time keeping your mind on work. The low country is an excellent place to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, bike riding, running, camping, hunting, and countless other outdoor activities. The weather is mild enough in the winter months to enjoy almost all of these activities year round in addition to summer months.
Below you find links to various websites concerning the Charleston area where you will find more than ample information on recreational activities in the area.
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