Charleston Historic Gardens and Architecture Tour

My tour is about the people that settled in Charleston and why they chose this city. By the time the Revolutionary war started Charleston was the wealthiest city in America and our homes and gardens reflected this. Status was associated with your house and also your garden. Because of this, Charlestonians employed many Gardeners and Nurserymen from Europe who brought with them plants seen in many gardens today. Charlestonians (women and men) corresponded with the Royal Society of London members and John Bartram of Philadelphia regarding plants both for export and import. The history of the city, its people, architecture and plants is fascinating and I love sharing it.

Meeting Point

80 Broad St

80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Washington Square Park next to City Hall

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

122 E Bay St, , Charleston, 29401-2103, South Carolina

Your guide will explain why this is one of the most important building in Colonial America and the events that took place in and surrounding the building.

Pass by without stopping

Rainbow Row

83-107 E Bay St # 107, , Charleston, 29401-2544, South Carolina

One of the most photographed spots in the city. A charming row of 18th century homes that inspired the preservation movement here in Charleston.

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Edmondston-Alston House

21 E Battery St, , Charleston, 29401-2740, South Carolina

From this House Museum site, you will learn about the history of a plantation family along with views and the history of the Revolutionary War Fort Moultrie (1st decisive victory over the British) and Civil War Ft Sumter (where the Civil War began)

Pass by without stopping

Battery & White Point Gardens

2 Murray Blvd., , Charleston, 29401, South Carolina

You will see Magnificent Live Oaks and learn about where the 1st settlers landed and why they ended up where Charleston is now.

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Church Street

Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

This quaint street was a finger of land extending out into the marsh in the 18th century. You will see many homes dating back to the 1700s and learn about their history and peeks into some beautiful gardens while learning about the history of the plants that people now associate with the South. We will stop occasionally for photos and peeks!

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Heyward-Washington House

87 Church St, , Charleston, 29401-2503, South Carolina

Another house museum, the 1st one in Charleston. You will learn about the Heyward family (signer of the Declaration of Independance) and George Washington who did sleep here on his Tour of the South in 1791. The house also has a period style garden which I will talk about as well.

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St. Philip's Church

142 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

Oldest Episcopal congregation in the city and its wrought iron gates are one of the few prewar examples left in the city.

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Saint Michael's Church

71 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

This is the oldest church building in the city. You will learn about the famous bells and how the corner which St Michaels occupies came to be call the "Four Corners of Law"

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Broad Street

Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA

You will learn about the different styles of architecture, how the enslaved people arrived in the city and how they contributed to the many different areas of the city. We will also talk about the numerous disasters the city has survived.

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East Bay Street

E Bay St, Charleston, SC, USA

We will follow the path of the Old City Wall and learn about the various occupations the early settlers had and how they contributed to the growth of the city. We will also walk down a few hidden alleys to get a sneak peak of the city and its gardens.

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