Oswego

September 8, 2001

Charleston

I know i write a lot about Folly Beach here, the place closest to my heart, but I also want to share with you pictures, at least, of the city I call home — Charleston.

Often called the most perfectly preserved city in the U.S., Charleston takes pride in having the first historic preservation ordinance in the country dating to 1931, and now hundreds of blocks of old houses and walled gardens have been saved from destruction by that most foul of modern-day scourges of preservation, the real estate speculator. If it were not for this ordinance, there would be high rises and tacky condominiums all over the historic peninsula. As it is, all buidling is strictly regulated and there are no buildings over 70 feet in height.

This is all justifed because there is no place like this anywere in the country or the world, and it should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Founded in 1670 at Charles Towne, a few miles up the Ashley River from the peninsula where the city re-located about 10 years later, Charleston has streets that provide endless opportunities for time travel back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Many houses date to the mid to late 1700s. I am enthralled each time I walk down Tradd Street to Meeting and then to the Battery and White Point Garden. From there I can look out over the harbor and see Fort Sumter in the distance, a constant reminder of the controversial history of this beautiful place. One senses the past in a very real way in our historic district. But today, it is a vibrant, living city, not some museum piece just for tourists.

I include here some links to show you what Charleston is like, now and how it looked many years ago.

Present-day views of Charleston

Festival of Houses and Gardens

Magnolia Gardens

Fort Sumter National Monument

Photographs from the Library of Congress

Morris Island Lighthouse, Folly Beach’s famous landmark

Wow … thanks for the links! That many lovely houses. I can’t decide which i love most. Thank you for showing me your town! And what abt Folly beach — any site you will prefer to another?

Such beauty!! I have never been to the South. I’ve been to the east coast from Massachussets to Florida. I’ve been to the midwest and all over the west coast, but never the South. I would absolutely positively HAVE to start with Charlston. If I had a Folly Beach to visit, I would write about her every single day. You’re blessed in so many ways, Oswego.

the bottom 2

September 9, 2001

still searching myself, traveling back to places recently visited and find myself drifting….your Charleston sounds and looks rich with life!!! ty for your entries they speak well

I can now see why you are so fond of the place.

no foolin – what she said – Blue

What I really HAVE to find out now, is how the water moves in that opening pic of the gardens. I have several pictures that will look fabulous with that effec.

one fun memory from school was when i wandered around charleston while i should have been taking part in a math competition. i had fun walking from the sharky’s area to the battery and then arching back and seeing the “wentworth manor” or something like that. it was a hoot and a holler. great city.

Thank you! Enjoyed the “trip.” We were on the Maine ocean today, sailing by 2 beautiful lighthouses among other treats. I fell in love with this (adopted) homeland all over again. Amazing, isn’t it?

Most excellant!!! Thank you so much for the lovely pictured tour, Oswego! It is such a delight to see places that I have not seen before and the amazing qualities of Charleston. I have never been there but I absolutely do intend to do so. I had done a pictured thing of Chattanooga and put a lot of work into it. Somehow, not sure, but it was lost. Thank you this, my friend.

Thank you also for the picture of the Lighthouse. I love lighthouses as you might have been able to tell. This one is great. I loved looking at it.

If I ever visit you, you are SO taking me on a tour of the area.

I choose the house by the sea. 🙂 Is it near “A Charleston Garden?”

Wow!!!! Those are great, thank you!

What a lovely and fascinating place in which to live. I can see why you settled there. Do people still live in the historical homes? The few in our area are mostly open for tours, but not occupied.

You did this to torment me!!! and it’s working!!! *whimper*

Bramble

September 11, 2001

I always get happy when I see that you have some links for us. I know that I can expect some pleasurable exploring.

hey oswego! gosh, i really do miss charleston! looking at those pictures really brought a tear to my eye! i am so charleston and beach sick! i miss the thick humidity, the historic landmarks, the sand that lays beneath your feet at the beach; the genuine southern hospitality that you cant find anywhere eles. yes my friend, what i would not do to flee to where i feel secure, what i call, HOME.

but i do not miss the damn tourist!!! STAY HOME!

Thank you, Oswego. What a wonderful treat! Gypsy Song

As usual you find the best links! I’ve been to Charleston, but only for a day PLUS I was SICK with a high fever. Surely couldn’t do it justice and want to go back!

Blonde Harlow

September 13, 2001

I think Southern towns are so graceful and proud. I’ll enjoy checking out the links you included with this entry. Thanks!

Lizzy Tish 77

September 15, 2001

Yes, your city of Charleston is gorgeous! My daughter used to live there, and met her husband there. They were married in Charleston 16 yrs. ago! My husband and I go by Motorhome there quite often. I never tire of it! God Bless!

The links I chose were the houses along the water, some of the houses and the Unitarian graveyard..I felt like a breeze came through my head. Thanks for the little vacation..cait..

Edelweis

September 28, 2002

I couldn’t get into Fort Sumter and the photos of the Library of Congress. I viewed all the other sites! Beautiful!!! I know you live in a wonderful city, I have seen pictures before but I never get tried of it and spent a long time again looking at these beautiful houses and gardens. I also like the lighthouse so much! Thank you dear friend, for this peaceful and nice end of my day. Take care,

Beautiful! I’d love to visit those gardens someday.