Charleston: The Edmonston-Alston House Walking Tour

Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, the Edmonston-Alston House offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s elite past. Through a guided tour, visitors can explore this Greek Revival-style antebellum home, built in 1825, and uncover the stories of the influential Alston family. As they admire the stately columns and panoramic views of the harbor, they’ll gain insights into the opulent lifestyle of Charleston’s upper class during the 19th century. With the meticulous preservation of the family’s furnishings, the tour provides a window into a bygone era, leaving guests intrigued to learn more about this remarkable chapter of Charleston’s history.

Key Points

• The Edmonston-Alston House is a Greek Revival-style antebellum home constructed in 1825, providing insights into the lives of Charleston’s elite Alston family.

• The walking tour offers a 1.5-hour guided experience through the meticulously preserved Alston family furnishings, showcasing the opulent lifestyle of Charleston’s 19th-century elite.

• The Alston family, prominent Charleston landowners, played a central role during the Civil War era, with Robert Alston as the patriarch and Mary Alston Pringle as the matriarch.

• Visitors can admire the stately columns, symmetrical facade, and panoramic views of Charleston Harbor while exploring the defining characteristics of Greek Revival architecture.

• The tour is available for $50.00 per person with a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Explore Charleston’s Rich History

Charleston’s rich history is often explored on the Edmonston-Alston House Walking Tour, where visitors can enjoy the past and uncover the city’s fascinating stories.

During the 1.5-hour guided tour, you will discover the history of the Edmonston-Alston House, a stunning Greek Revival-style antebellum home constructed in 1825.

They’ll learn about the extended Alston family and their experiences during the Civil War era, gaining insights into the lives of Charleston’s elite.

With 90% of the home’s furnishings originally owned by the Alstons, the tour offers a unique window into the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Charleston’s storied history.

The Extended Alston Family

The extended Alston family, prominent Charleston landowners, played a central role during the Civil War era, as visitors will uncover on the Edmonston-Alston House Walking Tour. The family’s saga unfolds through the home’s artifacts and guided narration. During the conflict, the Alstons faced difficult decisions and experienced the hardships endured by many Southern families. The tour highlights their resilience and the home’s transformation to accommodate the changing times.

Member	Role	Significance
Robert Alston	Patriarch	Oversaw the family’s vast property and business interests
Mary Alston Pringle	Matriarch	Managed the household during the war’s upheaval
Edward Alston	Son	Fought for the Confederacy, captured and imprisoned
Adele Allston	Daughter	Sheltered Union soldiers, risking her family’s safety

The extended Alston family’s story provides a compelling window into Charleston’s past.

Admiring the Edmonston-Alston House

Visitors to the Edmonston-Alston House can’t help but admire its impressive Greek Revival architecture, which has graced South Broad Street in Charleston since 1825.

The grand home’s stately columns, symmetrical facade, and panoramic views of the harbor showcase the architectural elegance and wealth of Charleston’s antebellum era.

Throughout the 1.5-hour guided tour, visitors will marvel at the meticulous preservation of the home’s original furnishings, which were owned by the Alston family.

From the exquisite period furniture to the ornate chandeliers, every detail transports guests back in time, allowing them to imagine the opulent lifestyle of Charleston’s elite in the 19th century.

Discovering the Greek Revival-Style

The Edmonston-Alston House‘s Greek Revival-style architecture commands attention with its stately columns, symmetrical facade, and panoramic views of Charleston Harbor.

This antebellum home, constructed in 1825, is a prime example of the Greek Revival movement that swept through the American South during the early 19th century.

The elegant design features characteristic elements like the low-pitched roof, pronounced cornice, and imposing front entrance.

As visitors explore the home, they’ll appreciate the attention to detail and the harmonious balance of classical proportions.

The Edmonston-Alston House stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Greek Revival architecture and its ability to evoke a sense of grandeur and sophistication in the Charleston landscape.

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Guided Walking Tour Duration

This guided walking tour of the Edmonston-Alston House lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing ample time to explore the Greek Revival-style antebellum home and learn about its history.

The tour’s duration allows visitors to:

• Discover Charleston’s rich past and the extended Alston family’s role during the Civil War era.
• Admire the architectural details and furnishings of the well-preserved 1825 home.
• Engage with the knowledgeable live tour guide, who shares fascinating insights about the property.
• Enjoy the leisurely pace and flexibility to ask questions throughout the experience.

This well-rounded tour ensures guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the Edmonston-Alston House and the captivating history it represents.

Tour Inclusions and Highlights

What does the Edmonston-Alston House walking tour include?

The tour provides entry and a guided exploration of the 1825 Greek Revival-style antebellum home, accompanied by a knowledgeable live guide who shares insights about the property and its history. Visitors can discover Charleston’s rich past and learn about the Alston family during the Civil War era.

The tour highlights the remarkable 90% of the home’s furnishings that were originally owned by the Alston family, allowing guests to truly enjoy the bygone era.

With the Charleston Harbor as a stunning backdrop, the Edmonston-Alston House offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Visitors can book the Edmonston-Alston House walking tour for $50.00 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexible booking policy makes it easy for visitors to plan their Charleston experience.

The key booking and cancellation details include:

1. $50.00 per person tour fee
2. Reserve now, pay later option
3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
4. Secure your spot in advance to ensure availability

With this hassle-free booking process, visitors can easily explore the rich history of the Edmonston-Alston House and Charleston’s past.

Additional House Details

The Edmonston-Alston House commands a striking view of Charleston Harbor, having been constructed in 1825.

Remarkably, 90% of the home’s furnishings were originally owned by the prominent Alston family, providing a tangible connection to the property’s storied past.

This Greek Revival-style antebellum home offers visitors a glimpse into Charleston’s rich history and the lives of the Alston family during the Civil War era.

Exploring the well-preserved rooms and examining the meticulously maintained furnishings allows guests to truly enjoy the property’s remarkable legacy.

The Edmonston-Alston House stands as a testament to Charleston’s enduring architectural and cultural heritage, captivating all who visit with its timeless elegance and captivating stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Edmonston-Alston House?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Edmonston-Alston House, but visitors should check with tour guides for any restrictions. The house contains well-preserved furnishings and decor, making it an appealing subject for photography enthusiasts.

What Is the Dress Code for the Walking Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the walking tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor elements.

Are Refreshments Provided During the Tour?

No, refreshments are not provided during the tour. The tour focuses on the historical aspects of the Edmonston-Alston House and its significance. Visitors should plan to bring their own snacks and beverages if desired.

Can the Tour Accommodate Guests With Mobility Issues?

The tour can accommodate guests with mobility issues. The guided walking tour includes an entrance and tour of the historic house, and the staff is able to provide assistance for those who need it.

Is the Tour Available in Any Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is currently only offered in English. However, the tour company may be able to accommodate other languages if requested in advance, depending on the availability of multilingual guides.

Recap

The Edmonston-Alston House stands as a captivating portal into Charleston’s 19th-century elite society.

Visitors can enjoy the opulent world of the Alston family, admiring the home’s stately Greek Revival architecture and gaining insights into their central role during the Civil War era.

This meticulously preserved historic site offers a truly immersive experience, allowing guests to step back in time and witness the grandeur of Charleston’s past.

You can check availability for your dates here: