Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the most populous city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The city lies just south of the geographical midpoint of South Carolina's coastline on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper, and Wando rivers. Charleston had a population of 150,227 at the 2020 census,^[10] while the Charleston metropolitan area, comprising Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, has an estimated 870,000 residents.^[b][8] It ranks as the third-most populous metropolitan area in the state and the 71st-most populous in the U.S. It is the county seat of Charleston County.^[11]

Charleston was founded by the English in 1670 as Charles Town, named in honor of King Charles II. Originally established at Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River (now Charles Towne Landing), the settlement was moved in 1680 to its present location, where it quickly grew to become the fifth-largest city in North America by the 1690s. During the colonial period, Charleston remained unincorporated and was governed by a colonial legislature and a royal governor, with administrative districts and social services organized by Anglican parishes. Although the state capital was relocated to Columbia in 1788, Charleston remained among the top 10 U.S. cities by population through 1840.^[12] A significant part of Charleston's history is its central role in the Atlantic slave trade; local merchants, including Joseph Wragg, helped break the monopoly of the Royal African Company, making Charleston a primary entry point for enslaved Africans. Almost one-half of enslaved people imported to the United States arrived in Charleston.^[13] In 2018, the city formally apologized for its role in the American slave trade.^[14]

The economy of Charleston is anchored by tourism, port and logistics, aerospace, and information technology. The city is home to the Port of Charleston, one of the busiest in the United States, which significantly contributes to regional trade and economic activity. Boeing and other major employers have established a strong aerospace presence, while its growing tech industry has led to the nickname "Silicon Harbor". Culturally, Charleston is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, historic landmarks, and rich Gullah heritage, alongside vibrant culinary, music, and arts scenes. Popular attractions include the historic City Market, Fort Sumter National Monument, and antebellum homes along the Battery and Rainbow Row.

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