The Battery

Constructed in the early 1800s, the Battery is a waterfront promenade overlooking Charleston Harbor lined with historic mansions, cannons, and war memorials.

Known for its majestic oak trees and Civil War-era defences, the Battery was initially built as a defensive seawall. Its name derives from the artillery batteries positioned there during various conflicts including the War of 1812 and the American Civil War. Today, it primarily serves as a scenic public park and promenade, offering spectacular views of Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter, and the Ravenel Bridge.

The park at the Battery, known as White Point Gardens, was established in the 1830s and features numerous monuments, historic cannons and artillery pieces. It also contains memorials to various military conflicts and notable Charlestonians and is full of beautiful oak trees draped with Spanish moss.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Charleston
French Huguenot Church
The only one of its kind remaining in the US, the church traces its roots to French Huguenot refugees in the late 1600's.
Rainbow Row
One of the most photographed streets in Charleston, Rainbow Row consists of thirteen brightly painted Georgian homes.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Built between 1767-1771 as a customs house and public building, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of Charleston's most historically significant sites.
Charleston's French Quarter
Sitting within the original walled city of Charleston, the French Quarter is a Nationally Registered Historical District with a rich cultural heritage.
Old Slave Mart Museum
The first museum opened to tell the story of slaves in America, the museum is operated by people who can trace their family roots to the Charleston slave trade.
Washington Square
Located in Charleston's historic district, Washington Square is a public park with a prominent central monument dedicated to the Washington Light Infantry.

Related Tours

Historic Charleston & Fort Sumter: Private Civil War Day Tour

Charleston is one of the most historically significant cities in the US and played a pivotal role in the American Civil War, both as the birthplace of secession and as a key battleground throughout the conflict. From the firing on Fort Sumter, which marked the start of the war, to enduring Union blockades and bombardments, Charleston was at the heart of the war in the South. Our fascinating full-day tour is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of this chapter of American history, offering privileged access to the key sites and stories of how the war unfolded in the Holy City and how it shaped Charleston for centuries to come.

On this private walking tour, you will:

  • Immerse yourself in the history of Charleston and its role in the Civil War;
  • Enjoy the personalized attention of your knowledgeable local guide, passionate about the history of the Holy City;
  • Discover the circumstances that led to South Carolina becoming the first state to secede from the Union at the South Carolina Institute Hall, where the critical vote took place;
  • Walk along Charleston’s iconic waterfront to The Battery and hear how it was a strategic defensive position throughout the war;
  • Pass through White Point Garden to see the cannons, monuments, and historic mansions;
  • Hear riveting stories of Confederate defences and Union naval blockades;
  • Pass by the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon and hear about its use as a fortification and its connection to espionage;
  • Uncover key sites in the Historic district related to the Civil War, including the Fireproof building, Dock Street Theatre and St. Michael’s Church;
  • Hop on the ferry for a visit to Fort Sumter, the site where the first shots were fired in April 1860;
  • Get an introduction to this decisive bombardment as you cruise across Charleston Harbor;
  • Disembark at Fort Sumter National Monument, where you’ll have time to explore its well-preserved ruins and museum exhibits detailing the fort’s role in the war;
  • Learn how Confederate forces held this strategic outpost until it was reclaimed by Union Forces in 1865;
  • Sail back to Charleston while taking in panoramic views of the waterfront.

Step back in time and explore Charleston’s pivotal role in the Civil War on this engaging private tour led by a local history expert guide. This immersive experience takes you through the heart of the Holy City, uncovering the stories of secession, battle, and resilience that shaped the course of American history. Your journey begins in Washington Square, where the echoes of the past still linger among its historic buildings. You will pass by the site of the former South Carolina Institute Hall, where delegates cast the decisive vote for secession, making South Carolina the first state to leave the Union. Nearby, the Fireproof Building, Dock Street Theatre, and St. Michael’s Church reveal layers of history, from political intrigue to the everyday lives of Charlestonians during the war.

You will continue toward the Battery, walking along Charleston’s iconic waterfront, where historic cannons and monuments tell the story of the city’s fortifications and its role in Confederate defence. While there, your guide will lead you on a stroll through White Point Garden, offering a closer look at the artillery that once protected the harbour and the stately mansions that witnessed the turmoil of war.

You will then delve deeper into Charleston’s past at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, where you will learn how this landmark was used as a fortification and even a site of wartime espionage.
After a pause for lunch (not included), the tour continues to Liberty Square, where a ferry awaits to take you across Charleston Harbor to the legendary Fort Sumter, with pre-purchased tickets allowing for a seamless start to your journey. As you cruise across the harbour, your guide will set the scene for the fateful events of April 1861, when the first shots of the Civil War rang out. Upon arrival, you will explore the well-preserved ruins and museum exhibits that recount the fort’s strategic importance as well as the battles that ensued. You will discover how Confederate forces managed to hold this vital outpost for much of the war before it was finally reclaimed by Union troops in 1865.

As you sail back to Charleston, you’ll have the chance to take in the panoramic views of the city’s waterfront, reflecting on how this historic port became a battleground for a nation divided. Your guide can explain how the events of the Civil War left their mark on Charleston and how the city transformed during the Reconstruction era. With expert insights, captivating stories, and access to some of the most significant sites of the war, you’ll be enthralled by this deep dive into Charleston’s Civil War history.

The Best of Charleston: Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour

Charleston offers an enchanting mix of incredible history (dating back to its founding in the 1600s), stunning architecture, exceptional cuisine, and authentic Southern hospitality. The city's walkable historic district features centuries-old homes, churches and public buildings alongside beautiful gardens and cobblestone streets. Our private half-day walking tour is a great way to step into the heart of Charleston, designed for travellers who seek a deeper understanding of the Holy City’s past and present, showing off its most important buildings and giving you a feel for its vibrant culture.

On your private walking tour, you will:  

  • Get a thorough introduction to Charleston as you make your way through the historic district and beyond;
  • See the Charleston County Courthouse, one of the oldest still in use in the US;
  • Pass by the Heyward-Washington House, where George Washington himself stayed on his presidential tour of the South;
  • Walk down to the Battery and hear about the role it played in Charleston’s defence during the Civil War;
  • Explore the White Point Garden and enjoy its stunning waterfront views, grand oak trees and Civil War cannons;
  • Learn about Charleston’s historic architecture as you stroll past the colourful Rainbow Row;
  • Hear the intriguing story of the Pineapple Fountain as you walk through Waterfront Park;
  • Admire the distinctive French Huguenot Church and find out about how the different congregations settled in Charleston, earning it the title the Holy City;
  • Stroll around the charming French Quarter;
  • Discover important Charleston landmarks like the Pink House and Dock Street Theatre;
  • Stop by the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and find out its many different purposes across the centuries;
  • Finish your tour at the Historic Charleston City Market.

Your tour kicks off in the historic Washington Square, where you will get acquainted with your guide, a passionate local expert guide who will take you on a journey through the quaint streets of the Historic district, lined with centuries-old landmarks, each with its own tale to tell. As you pass the Charleston County Courthouse, one of the oldest still in use in the United States, your guide will recount stories of law and order from the city’s colonial era to today. Nearby, you’ll spot the stately St. Michael’s Church, with its towering steeple standing as a beacon of Charleston’s religious heritage, as well as the Heyward-Washington House. Now a museum, this elegant Georgian-style home offers a glimpse into the life of Thomas Heyward Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who once hosted President George Washington himself on his Southern tour of 1791, a significant presidential journey that helped solidify the newly formed nation.

From here, you will stroll down to White Point Garden, a scenic waterfront park where grand live oaks shade the remains of Charleston’s Civil War defences. As you make your way along the iconic Battery promenade, you will take in breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor, and your guide can explain the pivotal role played by this former defensive seawall and the harbor itself during the War of 1812, the Civil War, and other military engagements. Later, you’ll continue past the gorgeous pastel facades of Rainbow Row, a stunning example of Charleston’s signature architectural charm.

At Waterfront Park, you’ll pause to admire the Pineapple Fountain, a beloved symbol of Southern hospitality, before venturing into the atmospheric French Quarter. The distinctive pink-hued French Huguenot Church, with its elegant Gothic Revival architecture, tells the story of Charleston’s diverse religious history, earning the city its nickname: the Holy City. Your guide will take you on a carefully curated route around the quaint, centuries-old buildings, including the eye-catching Pink House and the Dock Street Theatre, America’s first playhouse.

You’ll also have the chance to see the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, where pirates, revolutionaries, and Civil War soldiers were once held captive beneath one of Charleston’s most important buildings. Last but certainly not least, your tour will conclude in the bustling Charleston City Market, a cultural hub where local artisans continue traditions dating back generations.

This private tour allows you to explore the key sights of Charleston at a leisurely pace, with your guide sharing fascinating insights tailored to your interests. This ensures you’ll have an excellent introduction to one of America’s most historically significant cities.

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