Charleston, South Carolina, is a city steeped in history and renowned for its well-preserved architectural heritage. With buildings dating back to the 17th century, it offers a unique glimpse into various architectural styles, from Georgian to Victorian.
The town’s cobblestone streets and historic homes provide a picturesque backdrop that attracts visitors worldwide.
Discovering the best architectural buildings in Charleston offers insight into the city’s rich cultural and historical fabric. Each structure tells a story, reflecting the evolution of design and the influence of different eras.
This guide will explore some of the most iconic and architecturally significant buildings that contribute to Charleston’s unique charm.
1. Huguenot Church
The Huguenot Church, located at 136 Church Street in Charleston, South Carolina, is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Designed by Edward Brickell White and built in 1844, it is the oldest Gothic Revival church in the state.
This church, also known as the French Protestant Church, features striking pointed arches, intricate woodwork, and stunning stained glass windows. Its historical significance and unique architectural design make it a must-see landmark in Charleston.
2. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, built between 1752 and 1761, stands as the oldest church in Charleston. It is located at the intersection of Broad and Meeting streets, a site known as one of the Four Corners of Law, representing ecclesiastical law.
The church’s architecture follows 18th-century English pattern book examples. The original architect remains unknown, but the style hints at influences from English architect Sir Christopher Wren.
Visitors are often impressed by the church’s 186-foot steeple.
3. The Battery
The Battery is one of Charleston’s most iconic spots. This fortified seawall offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor, where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet.
Its historic homes and beautiful architecture draw many visitors.
Built along the Charleston peninsula, The Battery is a promenade that showcases the city’s rich history.
Noteworthy is the Low Battery seawall, completed in 1911, creating new buildable land and enhancing Charleston’s landscape.
4. Aiken-Rhett House
The Aiken-Rhett House, located in the Mazyck-Wraggborough neighborhood, was built in 1820 by merchant John Robinson.
The house was later acquired by William Aiken Sr., a railroad magnate, and expanded by Governor William Aiken Jr. in the 1830s and 1850s.
It includes original slave quarters, a kitchen, and a carriage block, making it one of the best-preserved townhouse complexes in the nation.
5. Charleston City Market
Charleston City Market is a historic market complex located in downtown Charleston. Established in the 1790s, it stretches for four city blocks from the architecturally significant Market Hall on Meeting Street through a series of one-story market sheds.
The Market Hall features Greek Revival architecture. Visitors can find various goods including food, gifts, and souvenirs.
The market remains one of Charleston’s most popular attractions, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and history.
6. Nathaniel Russell House
Nathaniel Russell House is a standout example of neoclassical architecture in Charleston, South Carolina. Built in 1808, it reflects the wealth and status of its owner, Nathaniel Russell.
Located at 51 Meeting Street, the house features a graceful three-story staircase that draws many visitors. This architectural marvel is not just a home but a testament to the elegance of the period.
Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973, it offers a glimpse into early 19th-century life here.
7. Magnolia Cemetery
Magnolia Cemetery, founded in 1849, is a beautiful example of Victorian cemetery design. Located on the banks of the Cooper River, the cemetery was designed by Charleston architect Edward C. Jones.
The cemetery is also known for being a resting place for many historical figures from Charleston and South Carolina. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Visitors can explore the Magnolia Umbra plantation house, which now serves as the cemetery office. The landscape and monuments provide a serene and historic atmosphere.
8. Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall is an 18th-century plantation house located on the Ashley River, about 15 miles northwest of Charleston, South Carolina.
It is a pristine example of Palladian architecture, a style known for its symmetry and classic design.
The house was constructed between 1738 and 1742 by John Drayton, a prominent figure in South Carolina.
Drayton Hall is the only plantation house on the Ashley River to survive intact through both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
The estate includes fine arts and historical artifacts that showcase the site’s rich history.
9. Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art is a notable landmark in Charleston. Located in a Beaux-Arts building, the museum showcases over 10,000 pieces of fine art.
Opened in 1905, the museum features American artwork with strong ties to the South.
The building, designed by Frank P. Milburn, adds to its historical charm.
Visitors can explore works from artists with deep roots in Charleston and beyond. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in art and history. Learn more about its offerings on the Gibbes Museum of Art website.
10. Middleton Place
Middleton Place is a historic plantation located near Charleston, South Carolina. It was founded in 1741 by Henry Middleton, who served as president of the First Continental Congress.
The site features some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States. It is a significant example of American plantation life and culture from the 18th century.
The South Flanker, which survived the Great Earthquake of 1886, is now a museum showcasing family furniture, portraits, and silver. Visitors can explore the house, stables, and beautifully maintained gardens.
Historic Significance of Charleston’s Architectural Heritage
Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a rich architectural legacy that spans several centuries.
This historical tapestry is vividly reflected in the city’s well-preserved buildings, revealing stories from both the Colonial and Antebellum eras, as well as significant post-Civil War developments.
Colonial and Antebellum Eras
Charleston’s architectural heritage during the Colonial and Antebellum periods is marked by buildings that showcase Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival styles.
Notable examples include the Heyward-Washington House, a 1772 Georgian-style home. This house was once the residence of Thomas Heyward, Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Georgian Architecture:
- Symmetrical facades
- Brick construction
- Decorative elements such as dentil molding
Federal Style:
- Simple, elegant lines
- Slightly flattened arches
- Fanlight windows
Greek Revival Style:
- Grand columns
- Bold, simple, and massive structures
- Inspired by ancient Greece
The Nathaniel Russell House, built in 1808, is another key structure from this period, featuring Federal-style architecture with a notable free-flying spiral staircase.
Post-Civil War Developments
The aftermath of the Civil War saw Charleston continuing to develop its architectural landscape. Victorian-era buildings began to dominate, illustrating the city’s resilience and adaptation to new styles.
The Williams Mansion, completed in 1876, is a prime example of Victorian architecture with its intricate detailing and grand scale.
Victorian Architecture:
- Ornate facades
- Asymmetrical shapes
- Decorative trim
Restoration Efforts:
Despite the damage from the war, many historic buildings were restored, preserving their original charm. This period also saw the introduction of Italianate architecture, featuring tall, narrow windows and elaborate cornices.
Significant Structures:
- The Branford-Horry House, a Georgian gem with added Victorian elements
- Iconic public buildings and homes reflecting new architectural trends
Architectural Styles Prominent in Charleston
Charleston’s rich architectural heritage includes several notable styles. Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architectures each reflect the city’s history and aesthetic evolution.
Georgian
The Georgian style in Charleston dates back to the early 18th century. Homes in this style often feature symmetrical facades with evenly spaced windows.
Key elements include brick construction, paneled doors centered with transom windows, and classical columns. Georgian buildings usually have five bays, with the middle bay serving as the main entry.
The Heyward-Washington House at 87 Church Street is an excellent example of Georgian architecture. Built in 1772, it captures the elegance and symmetry typical of the style. It stands out with its decorative brickwork and well-preserved interiors.
Federal
The Federal style became popular in Charleston during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This style is characterized by slimmer proportions compared to Georgian architecture and often features elliptical fanlights and side lights around the main door.
The exteriors are usually simpler but more refined, with cleaner lines and less ornamentation.
The Federal style often incorporates detailed ironwork and elegant, slender columns. One of the finest examples is the Nathaniel Russell House, built in 1808, which showcases a famous free-flying staircase, representative of Federal design’s focus on interior innovations.
Greek Revival
Greek Revival architecture began appearing in Charleston in the mid-19th century.
Inspired by classical Greek temples, these buildings often feature Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian columns, gabled roofs, and pediments. The use of stucco over brick is common, giving the buildings a smooth, white appearance that resembles marble.
The Robert Mills House, attributed to America’s first native-born architect, is a prime example of Greek Revival style. The grandiosity and monumental scale of Greek Revival buildings symbolize democracy and classicism, adding a majestic quality to Charleston’s urban landscape.
Victorian
Victorian architecture in Charleston emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its decorative and eclectic features.
This style includes intricate woodwork, asymmetrical facades, steep gabled roofs, and wrap-around porches.
The Victorian homes often display vibrant colors and ornate details such as bay windows and stained glass.
The Aiken-Rhett House, built in 1820 and expanded in the 1850s, is an ideal example of Victorian architecture.
It captures the opulent lifestyle of the period with its elaborate interiors and detailed exterior woodwork, showcasing the Victorian emphasis on aesthetics and craftsmanship.