REBIRTH OF CHARLESTON
Founded 1670
Charleston's Renaissance
(circa 2011-Present)
It took Charleston nearly 150 years to recover fully from the Civil War, but its recent re-emergence on the American scene is truly amazing. It is more than just a beautiful Southern town finding new life. It is the rebirth of one of the four principal cities of British Colonial America. A city that was America's wealthiest (per capita) from its beginning up to the start of the Civil War. A city inspired by the Age of Enlightenment with citizens who influenced the course of American history.
The only American city founded directly by England's aristocratic and enlightened ruling elite, Charleston is home to America's first opera, theater, library society, musical society, museum, charities, golf club, and city college. In the modern era, Charleston has led the nation in historic preservation, as the first city to establish a historic district and a board of architectural review. Restored to its pre-Civil War splendor, Charleston now attracts over seven million visitors annually.
To understand what draws so many seasoned travelers and college-educated new residents to Charleston, it is essential to look beneath the surface. Once you do, you will appreciate more fully the city's renaissance and the reasons why Charleston has been voted every year since 2011 as Best City USA - and four times this past decade as Best City In The World!
(circa 2011-Present)
It took Charleston nearly 150 years to recover fully from the Civil War, but its recent re-emergence on the American scene is truly amazing. It is more than just a beautiful Southern town finding new life. It is the rebirth of one of the four principal cities of British Colonial America. A city that was America's wealthiest (per capita) from its beginning up to the start of the Civil War. A city inspired by the Age of Enlightenment with citizens who influenced the course of American history.
The only American city founded directly by England's aristocratic and enlightened ruling elite, Charleston is home to America's first opera, theater, library society, musical society, museum, charities, golf club, and city college. In the modern era, Charleston has led the nation in historic preservation, as the first city to establish a historic district and a board of architectural review. Restored to its pre-Civil War splendor, Charleston now attracts over seven million visitors annually.
To understand what draws so many seasoned travelers and college-educated new residents to Charleston, it is essential to look beneath the surface. Once you do, you will appreciate more fully the city's renaissance and the reasons why Charleston has been voted every year since 2011 as Best City USA - and four times this past decade as Best City In The World!
Best City USA - Travel + Leisure 2012-Present
Best City USA - Condé Nast 2011-2020
Best City In The World - Condé Nast 2019
Best City In The World - Travel + Leisure 2016
Best City In The World - Condé Nast 2011-2012
Friendliest City USA - Condé Nast 2011-Present
Best City USA - Condé Nast 2011-2020
Best City In The World - Condé Nast 2019
Best City In The World - Travel + Leisure 2016
Best City In The World - Condé Nast 2011-2012
Friendliest City USA - Condé Nast 2011-Present