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. Located at the southern tip of Charleston's peninsula where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet, 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 Garden, 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 Live oak trees. Along the adjacent East Battery Street stand some of Charleston's most magnificent historic mansions. Built by wealthy merchants and planters in the 19th century, the elegant antebellum homes represent Charleston's "High Battery" area and showcase distinctive Charleston architectural features such as side piazzas (porches).
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:
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 Institute Hall, where delegates signed the decisive Ordinance of 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 key Charleston landmark was affected by the war. 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 be welcomed by the National Park Rangers before setting out to 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.
Please note that tour guides are not allowed to guide in Fort Sumter. Your guide will give you a detailed explanation during the ferry ride and then silently accompany you through the museum. Upon arrival, you will receive an informational briefing from a National Park Ranger. Throughout the visit, your guide will be able to answer questions you may have, but not actually “guide” you through the fort and its exhibits.
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:
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 and 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. It is also where President George Washington stayed on his visit to Charleston during 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 full of grand Live Oaks that occupy the spots that once held 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 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 before venturing into the atmospheric French Quarter.
Your guide will take you on a carefully curated route around the quaint, centuries-old buildings, including the distinctive pink-hued French Huguenot Church, an elegant Gothic Revival building, that tells the story of Charleston’s diverse religious history, 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, rebels and revolutionaries, 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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