HISTORICAL PROPERTIES ALONG BAY STREET ON THE BATTERY......CHARLESTON

Historical Properties along the Charleston Battery

Charleston Harbor was and is a busy port for imports and exports.
One of the sticking points leading up to the civil war was that the federal government imposed a protective tariff on the importation of manufactured goods.  The tarrif protected northern interests, but hurt southern interests because the south relied heavily on imported manufactured goods.

Fort Sumter was bombared from Fort Moultrie on the Mainland

These homes on Bay Street, and across the street from the Charleston Bay, all date to the 1700. South Carolina planters sent their families to Charleston to escape hot humid summers. These houses were considered vacation homes.

Soldiers posted at Fort Moultrie in 1816 considered this a plum assignment because of the social life,  pleasant climate, and few hostilities.  

Many streets in the historic district are one way because the streets are so narrow. 

Most of the houses on Bay Street are positioned with the side of the home facing the Street.
Most have beautiful gardens and wrought iron fences giving privacy to homes which sit right on the sidewalk.

These houses are at least three stories high with the main living area on the second floor. This protects the living areas from floods and also raises the houses to a higher lever for a better view of the bay.
Most older homes in the south contained a large front porch.  Before air conditioning, this area enjoyed sea breezes, so was a pleasant place to discuss the affairs of the day and to escape the heat of the house. 
These homes have a front seat on the comings and goings of Charleston Harbor.

Fort Moultrie has been replaced by a city park commorating the importance of this location to the South.
William Moultrie was an important military figure in the American Revolution. 

If you enjoy southern novels, you will recognize the Broad Street street sign.  Pat Conroy, author of "South of Broad" and "Prince of Tides",  is a well know author in this area.


Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful, leafy City

*Just to add a little southern trash to the discussion, this is the home state of ex-governor Mark Sanford.  By the way, he is trying to make a come back and is running against Stephen Colbert's sister, Elizabeth Colbert Busch in an election to be held this month.  The south is very forgiving.  And.... obviously they love their trash.