Charleston Stories

Charleston’s alleys are highly historical and enchanting places.  Much has been written about Dueler’s (Philadelphia), Lodge, and Stoll’s Alleys.  I would like to comment on another, out of the way, passage known as St. Michael’s Alley which connects Meeting with Church Streets.  In about 150 yards there is as much history per square inch as any other place of comparable size (except 4 Corners of Law) in the city.  Apparently many “affairs of honor” were conducted in the Alley and upstairs in #2 was probably the scene of such a bloody conclusion of an argument among 2 gentlemen; one American and one French, over a lady. Passing along St. Michael’s Alley westward toward Meeting from Church, you encounter a Philip Simmons gate, the law office of James Petigru, staunch, outspoken Unionist.  Petigru’s law office was designed by E.B. White, completed in 1849, and restored in the early 1900s…

The Charleston Museum was founded by the Charleston Library Society in 1773 while South Carolina was yet a British colony. Commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum”, many of the original collections were destroyed by fire in 1778 and operations were suspended during the American Revolution, however, collecting resumed in the 1790s. In 1824 the Museum…

I hope you enjoy these photos of the Robert William Roper House, located at 9 East Battery Street. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973, the Roper House is one of Charleston’s most beautiful Greek Revival houses. Robert William Roper, a prominent cotton planter, built this house in 1838. It is said that Mr. Roper…

Enjoyed a tour of the Edmondston-Alston House today. Despite the rain, and wind, it was a beautiful house tour. The House was one of the first dwellings built in the newly created neighborhood in 1825. Although photos are not allowed inside of the House, I’ve included a few of the exterior below. For more information and to purchase tickets for the tour, go to http://www.edmondstonalston.com/visit/tickets.html. One item of note, black wreaths and purple bunting were hung in memoriam for Lieutenant John Julius Pringle Alston, who was a First Lieutenant in the SC Artillery and who died September 20th, 1863 of Typhoid contracted in the defense of South Carolina at Fort Sumter and Battery Wagner.

Bill telling the story of Gus Smythe, and reading from a letter Gus wrote to his mother, describing the shelling of Charleston during the Civil War and a close call that nearly took Gus’ life! Learn more on Bill’s “Charleston’s Most Beautiful Walk” tour.

Charleston is a city with tremendous civic pride. This is manifested in many ways, but notable now are the many beautiful window boxes embellishing the already beautiful houses in the Historic District. I’ve attached a few to this post for you to enjoy. Hope to see you soon!

A photo of Tradd Street, which was part of a scene from “The Patriot” starring Mel Gibson. Also part of Charleston’s Most Beautiful Walk Tour.

The Hat Man at the corner of Broad and Church Streets, French Quarter. A local landmark, he’s made entirely of hats, except for the umbrella and cane. This is a popular stop for a photo!