Fort SumterSituated on a small man-made island in the bay
guarding the entrance to Charleston Harbour, Fort Sumter National
Monument is one of the most important historic military sites in
the country where the first shots of the American Civil War were
fired in 1861. With the secession of South Carolina, the
Confederates demanded the surrender of the fort, and after 34 hours
of continuous bombardment the Union forces had no choice but to
relinquish their hold. The Union troops became the first prisoners
of the Civil War. The Confederates occupied Fort Sumter, which
became a symbol of Southern resistance until it was retaken by
Union forces in 1865 after nearly four years of almost continual
attack, which reduced most of the fort to rubble. Park rangers
conduct free tours around the restored structure, which includes a
museum with historical displays.PlantationsAlong the Ashley River are a series of magnificent
plantations that can be visited, as well as north along the highway
towards Georgetown, where the grounds of Boone Hall Plantation are
the main attraction. A majestic oak avenue leads to the estate that
has been the model for several films including Gone With the Wind
and North and South. The original slave quarters and cotton gin
house can be visited along with the classic mansion. Closest to
Charleston along the Ashley River is Drayton Hall, the oldest
preserved plantation house in America, dating from 1742. The
Georgian mansion is a National Historic Landmark and the only
plantation house on the river to have survived the Civil War
intact. Middleton Place was largely destroyed during the Civil War,
but the south wing has been restored and houses an impressive
collection of silver, historic documents, furniture and paintings.
The ornamental lakes are surrounded by the nation's oldest
landscaped gardens dating from 1741 and are home to roaming
peacocks and other farm animals. The stunning decorative gardens at
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens can be viewed by tram tours that
cover the grounds.South Carolina AquariumThe South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston's most visited
attraction, features thousands of amazing aquatic animals from
river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in over 60 exhibits,
which represent the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the
mountains to the sea. The Aquarium also presents fabulous views of
Charleston harbour like no other found in the historic downtown
area. Daily interactive exhibits and programs are offered for
visitors of all ages. Every visit to the Aquarium reveals something
new - glimpses of new animals in exhibits, budding plants, baby
animals and more. Not only that, the institution provides a variety
of opportunities to learn about conservation, animal life,
endangered species and environmental issues.Charleston MuseumAmerica's First Museum, the Charleston Museum was
founded in 1773. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the
cultural and natural history of Charleston and the South Carolina
Lowcountry. Exhibitions include cultural, historic and natural
history artefacts and alongside are two National Historic Landmark
houses, the Heyward-Washington House and Joseph Manigault House,
which depict southern life in days gone by.Angel OakAngel Oak (or Scarlet's Tree) is thought to be the
oldest existing entity, either living or man-made, east of the
Rocky Mountains. This extraordinary live oak is about 1,500 years
old and, while not very tall, it does boast a vast canopy. The
tree's forest home may have been one of the islands' many lumber
sources for ship-building back in the 18th century.Caw Caw Interpretive Center and Charleston County ParkSet in the Caw Caw Swamp, the Caw Caw Interpretive
Center is home to vast natural, cultural and historical displays.
Dating back to the 18th century, this formerly slave-worked rice
paddy exhibits earthen dikes, rice trunks and canals. Many species
of plants and animals can be observed in the wildlife sanctuary,
from beech-holly forests to bald eagles and otters.The HunleyThe Hunley submarine first arrived in Charleston by
train in1863 and is now on display in a conservation tank at
Charleston's Old Naval Base. Here, visitors can see facial
reconstructions of the Hunley crew, artefacts excavated from the
submarine and the legendary gold coin that supposedly saved the
captain's life. There is also a life size model from The Hunley
movie and a National Geographic documentary for visitors to
enjoy.Provost Dungeon and Old Exchange BuildingThe British used Provost Dungeon to hold prisoners
during the American Revolution, and in 1774 the Old Exchange
Building hosted the delegate elections for the First Continental
Congress. This site was firmly constructed and has (in part)
withstood war, earthquakes and even hurricanes. Part of the
Half-Moon Bastion was excavated here and is the only visible
section of the old Charles Town fort.
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