With a background in academic history, we understand the importance of providing context, and to achieve that, a solid foundation and meaningful discussions are essential.
Our walking tour begins with more talking than walking, which might seem unusual for this type of tour. But there's a method to our madness. The tour is structured to unfold gradually, building upon itself to give you the context needed for what you'll see later on.
Let's start with a conversation. In the beginning, we'll chat and get to know your historical interests. This information helps us tailor the tour content to match what you want to learn.
Then, we shift our focus to present-day Charleston. By discussing what we observe in the harbor, we lay the groundwork for the historical narrative that follows.
We'll also delve into Southern culture, exploring the story behind the pineapple-shaped fountain in Waterfront Park. This includes its origin and significance in colonial Charleston symbolism.
Next, we'll uncover the evolution of Charleston, from its colonial beginnings under King Charles the 1st to the Carolina settlement and the establishment of Charles Town by King Charles the 2nd. Our discussion extends to the geographic advantages that transformed Charlestown into a thriving trade center, exploring the economic foundations of the early settlement.
Addressing the topic of slavery, our focus is not on its horrors, but on providing context to distinguish Rural slavery from Urban slavery. We'll touch upon the workings of slavery in Charleston and the intriguing dynamic of wealth among free people of color who owned slaves.
With this contextual knowledge, our walking journey begins. As we navigate along the water, we'll shed light on the sights using the context we discussed earlier. Walking atop the original sea wall from 1680, we'll reveal hidden aspects and provide insight into the visible history that surrounds you.
Venturing into the heart of the historic district, we'll analyze the architecture along the seawall, pointing out details that might escape the untrained eye. White Point Gardens becomes a focal point, with discussions on its historical significance as we ascend Meeting St, passing colonial homes and exploring their relevance to Charleston's evolution.
Our path leads through entire blocks dating back to the early 1700s, unveiling significant churches and landmarks, including the original Fort. In this way, we build upon our earlier discussions, bringing history to life in a way that goes beyond imagination.
....and of course, we're going to have some fun along the way. That's important to us.