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Discover the Charm: Top 6 Unforgettable Fun Facts About Charleston, SC

illustration of charleston-sc
Get ready to dive into the charming world of Charleston, SC, where history, culture, and southern charm create a delightful concoction of fascinating fun facts!

1. Pirate Playground

Pirates of the Charleston: A tale of landlocked buccaneers grabbing life by the treasure chest: Charleston, South Carolina served as a popular hangout for legendary pirates like Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet in the early 18th century, with Blackbeard even blockading the port for six days in 1718. Not your typical pirates though, Stede Bonnet was a wealthy plantation heir before becoming a full-time pirate and even purchased his first ship, while Anne Bonny potentially returned to Charleston after her swashbuckling adventures to live out her days in relative obscurity.
Source => scetv.org

2. Birth of the Charleston Dance

Well, butter my biscuits and call it a Charleston! This popular dance craze didn't spin on its heels overnight, oh no: In fact, it was James P. Johnson's jazzy tune "The Charleston" in the 1923 Broadway show Runnin' Wild that really got our grandpappies and grannies cutting a rug. Inspired by the African-American Juba dance, the Charleston dance steps strutted into the limelight and kept kicking until around 1930, when clingy dresses pulled the plug. But never fear, the Charleston's fancy footwork still bounces on in Lindy Hop culture today, ready to partner up or go solo!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

3. Architectural Runway

If Charleston, South Carolina were an item in a fashion show, it would be the "you can't sit with us" ensemble, featuring the most fabulous mashup of styles through the ages: Colonial, Georgian, Federal, Classical Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Victorian, and even Art Deco buildings all sashaying down the city streets! Strut aside, runway; it's all about the Charleston single house and double house floor plans making their statement in this architectural extravaganza.
Source => pamharringtonexclusives.com

4. America's First Museum

If you ever feel like "you know what this museum needs? More old!" – boy, do we have a treat for you: The Charleston Museum in Charleston SC, founded in 1773, holds the title of America's First Museum, boasting an incredible collection of artifacts, exhibitions, and events honoring the South Carolina Lowcountry's rich history.
Source => charlestonmuseum.org

Revolutionary War Facepalm

5. Revolutionary War Facepalm

In the category of epic facepalms, Uncle Sam might have taken home the trophy in Charleston, SC: On May 12, 1780, during the Revolutionary War, the city saw the largest defeat the American cause ever experienced, with the British capturing it along with the entire Southern Continental Army, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence – definitely a nightmarish game of Capture the Flag!
Source => emergingrevolutionarywar.org

6. Renovation Rewards

In Charleston, SC, folks can "cash in" on their historic hot messes by fixing up Grandpa's antiquated abode: Homeowners in this charming city can receive historic tax credits of up to 25% on certain renovations and restorations, as long as they adhere to the meticulous standards and document their expenses during the rehabilitation process.
Source => luxurysimplified.com

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