“C” is for Charleston (Charleston County; 2020 population 150,903). Charleston was the first permanent European settlement in Carolina, its first seat of government, and the most important city in the southern United States well into the nineteenth century. Then came a century of decline and decay. The cultural revival of the Charleston Renaissance, the redevelopment of the port, and spirited political and civic leadership transformed the city. Today, Charleston is thriving-- and it is South Carolina’s largest city. Called one of America’s most livable cities one year, it is noted for its congestion the next. It is not just a downtown, but also suburbs, rich and poor, Black and White and immigrant. Like one of its eccentrics, whom locals pride themselves on accommodating, Charleston continues on, confident in its self-proclaimed destiny as one of America’s most significant cities.
“C” is for Charleston
