Walk Charleston History

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Walk Charleston History

Walking tours about The Society, Scoundrels and Conflicts that define Charleston, South Carolina

01/27/2026

January is Tea Month and Charleston has been sipping history for centuries.

From royal courts to plantation fields, tea has long been woven into the fabric of Charleston life. King Charles II and his wife Catherine helped spark England’s love of tea, turning it into a symbol of refinement, wealth, and social connection.

That tradition crossed the Atlantic and took root right here in the Lowcountry.
In 1795, French botanist André Michaux imported the first tea plant to America, planting it at Middleton Place.

By the late 1800s, tea grown at Pinehurst Plantation gained international fame—welcoming two U.S. presidents, a visit from the Japanese ambassador, and even winning first prize at the St. Louis World’s Fair.

The Lipton Tea Company later preserved Pinehurst’s tea plants, relocating them in the 1960s. Those plants still thrive today at the Charleston Tea Garden, the only large-scale tea farm in North America.

Tea has flavored everything from St. Cecilia Punch to rum punch, and even Charleston’s revolutionary spirit, after all, the Charleston Tea Party happened 13 days before Boston’s.

Join us on tours and talks like Sip of History, Little London, Don’t Tread on Me, Barbados & Charleston: The Ties That Connect, and the Charleston Originals—where every cup comes with a story.

01/14/2026

Today, this home is known as the Heyward–Washington House, and it has witnessed some of the most dramatic moments of the American Revolution in Charleston.
It was once the home of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence for South Carolina, a captain in the South Carolina militia, and one of only nine signers who actively fought in the Revolution. Heyward was eventually captured and imprisoned by the British in St. Augustine.
While Thomas Heyward was imprisoned, his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” Heyward defied the British occupation by refusing to illuminate her home in celebration of their victories, declaring “not a light.”
Years later, this same house was rented by President George Washington during his 1791 visit to Charleston. Notably, Washington paid for the rental himself, using his own funds—not federal money.
To learn more about Thomas Heyward, his courageous wife Elizabeth, and George Washington, I invite you to join my American Revolution tour, “Don’t Tread on Me.”

#1776

09/12/2025

Great editorial about how museums and historic sites are an important part of Charleston history and the importance of supporting them.

08/20/2025

Lessons in Tea — Spent the morning at Oliver Pluff discovering how four steeping methods can transform the flavor of the very same tea. In colonial Charleston, tea was more than a beverage—it was a symbol of status, commerce, and resistance. Like Boston, Charleston held its own Tea Party in protest against British taxation, a moment you’ll explore on my “Don’t Tread on Me” American Revolution Tour.

07/23/2025

In 1827, Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie. Poe used Sullivan's Island as the setting for his short story " The Gold Bug" which was written in 1843.

07/15/2025

The lasting influence of Barbados can still be seen and felt throughout the streets of Charleston. This vibrant island played a significant role in shaping the city’s early history—culturally, economically, and architecturally. One striking example is the Barbadian impact on Charleston’s architectural landscape. Middleton Place, for instance, reflects this connection: the Middleton brothers, among Charleston’s early settlers, came directly from Barbados.
Image: St. Nicholas Abbey, St. Peter’s Parish, Barbados. Middleton Place Charleston

Lee Ann's tour: Barbados & Charleston, the ties that connect

06/28/2025

June 28, 1776 — With a fort built of palmetto logs and sand, a determined group of Patriots—including heroes like William Moultrie, Francis Marion, and Sergeant William Jasper—stood their ground against the powerful British Navy. Though the fort was unfinished and ammunition scarce, they fought off nine British warships in a fierce 9½-hour battle.

This remarkable stand marked the first Patriot victory in the American Revolution in the South.

Today, we honor that victory with a celebration known as Carolina Day.

( Learn more on my "Don't Tread on Me" American Revolution tour)

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06/02/2025

My favorite event during Piccolo Spoleto is the Charleston Symphony’s performance at the Custom House. They played some of my favorite pieces from Porgy and Bess, which always brings the music to life in a powerful way. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the opera’s fascinating origins—the incredible story of the author who wrote the novel that inspired it, his collaboration with George Gershwin, and the profound influence Charleston had on both of their work.
Want to explore more? Join me on my Doin’ the Charleston Renaissance Tour or my Porgy and Bess Tour to discover the stories behind the music and the magic of Charleston’s cultural legacy.

05/22/2025

The first Memorial Day took place in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 1, 1865. Nearly 10,000 formerly enslaved men, women, and children gathered at the Washington Racecourse—formerly a prison camp to honor Union soldiers who had died there.
The solemn procession was led by children singing and carrying roses, followed by women bearing flowers and crosses. Behind them marched the men, in cadence, and at the rear were members of the United States Colored Troops, including soldiers from the 54th Massachusetts, the 34th, and the 104th regiments. As they passed the soldiers’ graves, they scattered flowers over them, a gesture of remembrance and respect.
The ceremony included the singing of patriotic songs such as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America." Ministers offered readings from the Bible, and once the formal service concluded, the community gathered for a picnic, listened to speeches, and watched the troops perform military drills.

05/06/2025

In 1791, President George Washington spent seven days in Charleston during his Southern Tour (May 2–9). During his stay, the Society of the Cincinnati hosted a formal dinner in his honor at the historic Long Room of McCrady’s Tavern.

Discover more about Washington’s visit and the Society of the Cincinnati on my “Don’t Tread on Me” tour, focused on the American Revolution in Charleston, or join “Hail to the Chief” to explore the stories of U.S. Presidents and their time in the Holy City.

#1776

04/02/2025

Had a chance to celebrate with Lafayette on his 200th anniversary visit to the Charleston. Hear about this visit in my " Lafayette, “Our Marquis tour" or my "Don't Tread On Me", American Revolution tour.

03/05/2025

Lafayette, “Our Marquis"

March 1825, the Marquis de Lafayette visited Charleston as part of his highly celebrated tour across the United States. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of his visit, I am honored to host a Special Tour celebrating his legacy and lasting impact. Join me as we step back in time and explore Lafayette’s connections to Charleston!

Friday March 14th 1pm
Saturday March 15th: 10 am
Sunday March 16th

To make reservations, email [email protected]

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Charleston, SC

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