Known as the 'Cradle of Secession', Charleston was the epicenter of the break-up of the Union. With the secession convention of 1860, South Carolina became the first state to remove itself from the union.
Exerting its self-proclaimed state's right to withdraw from a government it deemed tyrannical and overbearing, the new southern republic proclaimed its independence and its right to maintain that property it most coveted: slaves.
Join Free Tours by Foot as we bring to life the stories of Charlestonians who lived through four years of hellish conflict, from secession and the first shots fired until surrender, and examine the causes and consequences of this great national tragedy.
Some of the sights and topics we cover on the Charleston Civil War Tour:
- The beautiful Charleston Waterfront park, and its panoramic view of Ft. Sumter, and in the distance to the other forts that participated in the opening shots of April 12th, 1861.
- St. Andrew's Hall, known as Secession Hall, where South Carolina's Ordinance of Secession was debated and ratified.
- The historic Dock Street Theatre, where John Wilkes Booth's father performed Shakespeare to rave reviews before the war.
- The law office of James Louis Petigru noted barrister and a staunch unionist.....perhaps the only unionist in Charleston during the war!
- St. Michael's Church, a favorite target of Union artillery, and a valuable watchtower for Confederates.
- The Mills House Hotel, home to General Robert E. Lee the night of the Great Fire of 1861.
- The Old Slave Mart, the location of slave auctions from late 1850 through the end of the period.
- The German Fire Company Headquarters, whose members formed the famous German Artillery Company during the war.
- the gravesite of John C. Calhoun, statesman, and founder of the secessionist movement.
- Charleston's Old Exchange Building, which during the Civil War was the post office.
- and much more!
This tour is offered as a self guided audio tour
- Time: About 1 Hour
- Distance: About 1 miles (2 km)
- Start: Market Building at 180 Meeting Street
- End: St. Phillips Church on 146 Church Street
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