A major slave market in the seventeenth century, Charleston today is one of America's finest heritage city. The Civil War began from here at Fort Sumter and the city has a hoary past as an important port for rice and cotton trading. Devastated several times over by natural calamities (earthquakes and hurricanes) and by man-made disasters (fire and war), Charleston is a city that has withstood the ravages of time. Today, the beautifully restored buildings, well-conceived tours and trails, and the special festivals have made Charleston a tourist's delight.

English aristocrats seeking their fortunes founded Charleston, originally named Charles Towne, in 1670. It's excellent location at the confluence of two rivers made it an ideal port town. Soon, it became a major center for slave trade also. In 1861, Fort Sumter, a few miles away from Charleston became the first casualty of the Civil War when Confederate forces took over the garrison. The Union army took over the fort in 1865, destroying much of Charleston in the bargain. The city went into a decline over the years, a process hastened by the fall in cotton prices, the Depression and a devastating earthquake. World War II became the turning point and Charleston regained its importance as a port, especially because of naval requirements.

Charleston has always had a multi-cultural population and has been home to several generations of Jews, Italians, English, Irish German, French and a large black community. Summers in Charleston are hot and humid with temperatures above 90ºF in July and August. Winters can get cold here and temperatures fall to the early 50s. Spring and fall are pleasant.

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