Charleston: Citadel History Professor Guided Walking Tour

Stepping into Charleston’s historic streets, visitors embark on a captivating journey led by an esteemed Citadel professor. With nearly two decades of expertise in South Carolina’s captivating past, the guide weaves a spellbinding tale that transports participants back in time. Beyond the city’s famous landmarks, the tour reveals hidden alleys and graveyards, immersing guests in the sights, sounds, and challenges of colonial life. From the infamous to the celebrated, each story offers a unique perspective on Charleston’s power dynamics and the enduring legacy that continues to shape the Holy City to this day. Those seeking to uncover the city’s treasured history won’t want to miss this extraordinary experience.

Key Points

• The Charleston walking tour is led by Eric, a history professor from The Citadel, offering unparalleled expertise and engaging storytelling about the city’s colonial past.
• The 2.75-hour tour explores Charleston’s hidden history, visiting landmarks like the Dock Street Theater, French Huguenot Church, and the Four Corners of Law.
• Participants are immersed in the sights, sounds, and challenges of colonial life, with captivating tales of the city’s famous and infamous characters.
• The tour begins at the Historic Charleston Foundation and concludes at 39 E Battery, showcasing the architectural grandeur and storied history of Charleston’s landmarks.
• The tour includes a knowledgeable guide but does not cover hotel pickup/drop-off, food/drinks, or entry fees for house museums, with tips not included in the tour price.

Tour Overview

This Charleston history tour offers a guided walking experience led by a professor from The Citadel, delving into the city’s rich past over the course of 2.75 hours.

With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour guides visitors down old alleys and graveyards, transporting them back in time to explore Charleston’s colonial history.

Highlights include the Dock Street Theater, the French Huguenot Church, and the Four Corners of Law, as well as captivating stories about the famous and infamous figures who’ve shaped the city’s history.

The tour concludes at 39 E Battery, Charleston, providing an immersive and educational journey through Charleston’s storied past.

Guided by a Citadel Professor

The tour is led by Eric, a professor of history at The Citadel with nearly 20 years of combined experience teaching at the college level and working in the public history sector.

He specializes in South Carolina and Charleston history during the Colonial Era, American Revolution, Antebellum Era, and the Civil War.

Eric’s dedication to his craft and passion for sharing history shine through as he guides the group through Charleston’s streets, bringing the city’s past to life.

Some key highlights of having a Citadel professor as the tour guide include:

1. Unparalleled expertise and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.
2. Engaging storytelling that brings historical figures and events to life.
3. Insights and perspectives that you won’t find in typical tourism materials.

Exploring Charleston’s Hidden History

Exploring Charleston’s hidden history, the tour takes participants down old alleys and graveyards, uncovering the colonial past and transporting them back in time through captivating stories of the city’s famous and infamous characters.

Along the way, guests encounter sights like the Dock Street Theater and the French Huguenot Church, learning about the Four Corners of Law and Washington Park.

The tour guide, a Citadel professor specializing in South Carolina and Charleston history, brings the city’s past to life with his deep knowledge and passion for sharing it.

From the American Revolution to the Civil War, the tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Charleston’s rich and complex history, revealing the hidden gems that make the city so unique.

Colonial History and Time Travel

As the tour winds its way through Charleston’s historic streets, the guide transports visitors back in time, regaling them with tales of the city’s colonial past that bring the era vividly to life. From the founding of Charleston in 1670 to the crucial role it played in the American Revolution, the guide weaves a captivating narrative that immerses the group in the sights, sounds, and challenges of colonial life.

Exploring the Dock Street Theater, which was built in 1736 and is considered the first theatre in America.

Uncovering the rich history of the French Huguenot Church, a testament to Charleston’s diverse religious heritage.

Discovering the Four Corners of Law, where the city’s political, judicial, and religious institutions converge, reflecting the colony’s complex power dynamics.

Notable Sights and Landmarks

Along the tour route, visitors marvel at the architectural grandeur of the French Huguenot Church, whose ornate spire and intricate details bear witness to the congregation’s resilience and religious devotion. Nearby, the Dock Street Theater captivates with its storied past, from its humble beginnings as an 18th-century playhouse to its modern-day status as a cultural hub. Across the way, the Four Corners of Law stand as a testament to Charleston’s legal history, where the city’s judicial, legislative, executive, and ecclesiastical powers once converged. As the tour winds through Washington Park, guests discover the tranquil greenspace and uncover the tales of its past inhabitants, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Charleston’s storied landmarks.

Landmark	Significance
French Huguenot Church	Ornate spire and intricate details reflect the congregation’s resilience and religious devotion
Dock Street Theater	Evolved from an 18th-century playhouse to a modern-day cultural hub
Four Corners of Law	Represents the convergence of Charleston’s judicial, legislative, executive, and ecclesiastical powers
Washington Park	Tranquil greenspace with tales of its past inhabitants
—	—

Stories of Famous and Infamous

The tour weaves together captivating tales of Charleston’s most famous and notorious figures from the city’s storied past. Visitors uncover the intriguing lives of influential political leaders, courageous revolutionaries, and scandalous socialites who’ve left an indelible mark on Charleston’s history.

For instance, the tour explores the life of John C. Calhoun, a South Carolina statesman who played a central role in the debate over slavery and states’ rights.

Guests also learn about the exploits of Lavinia Fisher, the infamous female serial killer who operated a deadly inn in Charleston.

Plus, the tour sheds light on the scandalous love affair between Theodosia Burr, daughter of Aaron Burr, and Charleston socialite Joseph Alston.

Tour Starting and Ending Locations

The guided walking tour begins at the Historic Charleston Foundation and concludes at 39 E Battery, Charleston, SC 29401.

Participants will explore the city’s hidden history and significant landmarks as they traverse the historic streets, alleys, and graveyards of Charleston during the 2.75-hour excursion.

Along the way, they’ll encounter sights like the Dock Street Theater and French Huguenot Church, and learn about the Four Corners of Law and Washington Park.

The tour is led by Eric, a Citadel history professor with nearly 20 years of experience teaching and working in the public history sector. He’s dedicated to sharing Charleston’s fascinating past and the stories of its famous and infamous characters.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The walking tour includes a knowledgeable guide and history professor, but doesn’t cover hotel pickup/drop-off, food/drinks, or entry fees for house museums. Tips are also not included in the tour price.

The inclusions for this walking tour are:

1. A certified guide who’s a professor of History at The Citadel, with nearly 20 years of combined experience teaching and working in the public history sector.

2. In-depth exploration of Charleston’s colonial history, American Revolution, Antebellum Era, and the Civil War.

3. Fascinating stories about the famous and infamous characters of Charleston’s past as you discover the city’s hidden history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Visitors With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues, as it involves walking down old alleys and graveyards for an extended duration of 2.75 hours. Visitors should consider their physical capabilities before booking the tour.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can generally take photos during the tour. The guide encourages participants to capture the historic sights and landmarks along the route to help them remember the experience. However, some indoor sites may restrict photography.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

While the standard tour itinerary is set, the tour guide may be able to accommodate special requests or adjust the focus to align with guests’ interests. Participants should inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

No special equipment is needed for this walking tour. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. The tour guide will provide all necessary information and lead the group through the historic streets of Charleston.

Can We Purchase Tour Tickets on the Day of the Event?

Yes, tour tickets can typically be purchased on the day of the event, though booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons. Same-day tickets are subject to tour capacity.

Recap

The Charleston history tour with a Citadel professor offers a captivating journey through the city’s colonial past.

Participants will discover hidden gems, uncover the stories of famous and infamous figures, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and challenges of 18th-century life.

This walking experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to travel back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Charleston’s rich heritage.