Charleston Facts
Completed before the American Revolution in 1742, Drayton Hall is the oldest example of Georgian Palladian architecture.
Organized in 1773, the Charleston Chamber of Commerce is the oldest continuously running municipal Chamber in the United States.
Formed in 1749, Congregation Beth Elohim is the oldest synagogue in continuous use. It is also the second oldest synagogue in the United States.
Founded in 1706, Old St. Andrews Parish Church is the oldest surviving church in the Carolinas.
In 18
20, Joel R. Poinsett, a Charlestonian, introduced the poinsetta plant.
Built around 1741, Middleton Place is the oldest formally landscaped garden in the United States.
Chartered in 1785, The College of Charleston is America’s oldest municipal college.
Charleston Firsts
First public library in the United States
First female owned newspaper in the United States
First golf course, Harleston Green, built in 1786
First golf club, South Carolina Golf Club, founded in 1786
First fire insurance company, Friendly Society for Mutual Insurance of Houses against Fire, founded in 1736
First prescription drug store began operating in 1780 in Charleston
First museum society, Charleston Museum Society, founded in 1773
First artificial ice made in Charleston by John Gorrie in 1851
First decisive American victory of the American Revolution at the Battle of Fort Sullivan (Sullivan’s Island)
First successful submarine attack occurred in Charleston Harbor in 1864
First regularly scheduled passenger train service started from Charleston in 1830
Electric Companies
Here’s a list of the local electric companies in the Charleston area:
SCE&G: 843-576-8000
Berkeley Electric Co-ops:
Goose Creek: 843-553-5020
Johns Island: 843-559-2458
Awendaw: 843-884-7525
Moncks Corner: 843-572-5454
Water
Here’s a list of the local water companies in the Charleston area:
Charleston, West Ashley: 843-727-6800
Sullivan’s Island: 843-883-3198
Mt. Pleasant: 843-884-9626
Isle of Palms: 843-886-6148
Folly Beach: 843-588-2447
St. Johns Water: 843-559-0186
Summerville: 843-871-0810
Goose Creek: 843-797-6220
Moncks Corner: 843-761-8041
Sewer
Many of the subdivisions have sewerage. Some sewer services are provided by the municipal government as a tax service, some municipal governments add a sewerage fee to your water bill and some services are provided by private companies which bill the property owner/occupant directly. Subdivisions with on-site sewerage must have the approval of the State Health Department.
The public schools in South Carolina are required to operate per school year for a minimum of 180 days. In general, the school year begins in late August or first of September and ends the last of May or first of June. Children must be at least six years old by November 1st to enroll for the current school year.
Charleston has some of the best marinas along the inland waterway. Service for large yachts and other boats is available. Charlestonians and visitors enjoy water skiing and pleasure boating throughout the year. The Charleston Harbour and its offshore area offer some of the best sailing on the Atlantic Seaboard. Sailing instruction and racing are promoted by five area Yacht Clubs. Charleston host fifteen regularly scheduled regattas yearly and also hosts many national and regional championships. The Charleston area is home to numerous public beach fronts which offer sun, surf, and fishing. You can choose from beaches: Edisto Island, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island and Sullivan’s Island. Deep-Sea Fishing is available form charter and head boats which are all approved and licensed by the Coast Guard. Deep-sea fishermen can fish the world famous blackfish banks off Charleston Harbour or fish for dolphin and/or sailfish in the Gulf Stream located 60 miles off the coast. Fresh-Water Fishing is available in the Charleston Area. Two man-made lakes, Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie attract thousands each year. These lakes are home to Land Locked Striped Bass and the Annual Striper Rodeo. License fees for fresh-water fishing are very reasonable. There are a variety of public boat landings and facilities available for both fisherman and boating enthusiasts.
The Low Country is known for its bass, king mackerel, grouper, trout and snapper. Fishermen are attracted to its thousands of miles or creeks, rivers and sounds. Charleston is also a haven for shrimpers.
Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy the areas numerous golf courses year round. Some of the courses have been designed by Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Arthur Hills are located throughout the area.
History buffs can enjoy touring Charles Town Landing, the site of the first settlement in Charleston. In addition, there are numerous parks and camping facilities in the area. Charleston has two historic forts that are maintained by the National Park Service. Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter offer a look at our country’s past that everyone can appreciate and enjoy. Water lovers will enjoy the boat ride to Fort Sumter which is located in the Charleston Harbour. Charleston offers numerous sporting events. The Citadel, The College of Charleston and Charleston Southern provide exciting college athletics. The University of South Carolina and Clemson are within driving distance.
Charleston is also home to a minor league baseball team, the Charleston Riverdogs, a semi-pro basketball team, the LowCountry Gators, and a minor league hockey team, the Stingrays. Soccer fans can enjoy the Charleston Battery and tennis fans can attend the Family Circle Cup held each Spring on Daniel Island.