Charleston

(Historic Port)

charleston port litho detail

Portion of NAPP infrared photograph of Charleston harbor and the Cooper River.

charleston litho detail

Portion of topographic map of Charleston from the USGS Charleston quadrangle (1983).

Charleston (NAPP)

charleston litho thumb

Charleston (Topo)

charleston topo thumb

Rationale

The Charleston Study Site highlights South Carolina's most historic port city. For the greater part of the state's history, politics, commerce, and cultural activity have all revolved around this well known metropolitan hub. Charleston has both prospered and suffered in her role as the Queen City, and later the Holy City. Seven great fires, seven great hurricanes, an earthquake, two occupying armies, and countless boom/bust economic cycles have affected the city since its founding in 1680. Charleston (Charles Towne until 1782) served as the first capital of South Carolina and has always been its primary seaport. It presents an excellent example of the tension that exists between progress, defined as development and industry, and the more picturesque qualities that attract tourists. The conflict is most visible between people who want to preserve the special atmosphere created by the historical areas and those who desire to profit from that historical quality by building restaurants, hotels and other special attractions.

Background Information

Description of Landforms

  • Characteristic Landforms of the Coastal Zone
  • Geographic Features of Special Interest
  • Carolina Grand Strand
  • Santee Delta
  • Sea Islands

Influence of Topography on Historical Events and Cultural Trends

  • Coastal Zone Attracts Settlers
  • Native American Coastal Cultures
  • Early Spanish Settlements
  • Establishment of Santa Elena
  • Charles Towne: First British Settlement
  • Eliza Lucas Pinckney Introduces Indigo
  • Pirates: A Coastal Zone Legacy
  • Charleston Under Siege During Civil War
  • The Battle of Port Royal Sound
  • Black Volunteers in Union Service During the Civil War
  • The Future of the Coast

Natural Resources, Land Use, and Environmental Concerns

  • Climate and Water Resources
  • Soil Resources of the Coastal Zone
  • Issues Related to Growth and Development
  • Unique Habitats of the Coastal Zone
  • Fisheries and the Seafood Industry