Historic Homes: A Journey Into the Past

Aiken Rhett House
The Aiken-Rhett House provides a complete look at antebellum life. Built in 1818 by merchant John Robinson and greatly expanded and redecorated by Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and 1850s, the house has survived virtually unaltered since 1858. As an intact "urban plantation," the Aiken-Rhett property speaks powerfully about the culture of early Charleston and the interconnections among all members of the household. Original outbuilding, including the kitchen, slave quarters, stables, privies and cattle sheds, offer glimpses of life in the 19th century unavailable anywhere else. The Aiken-Rhett House is owned and operated by Historic Charleston Foundation.

Calhoun Mansion
The Calhoun Mansion is the largest privately-owned home in Charleston. Boasting a striking Italiante design, the mansion features 35 rooms, a grand ballroom, Japanese water gardens, 35 fireplaces, 75-foot-high domed ceilings, koi pond, private elevator, three levels of piazzas and a 90-foot cupola that overlooks Charleston Harbor. The Calhoun Mansion, which is open daily for tours, stands as a testament to Charleston's architectural splendor.

Edmondston-Alston House
One of the first dwellings built on Charleston's High Battery, the Edmondston-Alston House is one of the city's most splendid dwellings. Built in 1825 by Charles Edmondston, the Regency-style home is a gracious example of the early 19th-century commitment to elegance, style, and comfort. In 1837, Charles Alston, a member of a well-established Lowcountry rice-planting dynasty, purchased the house. Alston modified the house's appearance in the fashionable Greek revival style. The house was the Alston city residence for more than a century and a half. Today many of the family's furniture, books and other personal belongings remain in the house. Middleton Place Foundation operates the Edmondston-Alston House.

Heyward Washington House
The Heyward-Washington House, built in 1772, was the home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence. When George Washington visited Charleston in 1791, the house was rented for his use. Furnished with magnificent Charleston-made furniture, the collection includes the priceless Holmes Bookcase, considered to be the finest example of American-made furniture in existence today. The exquisite formal garden is comprised of plants available to Charlestonians during that period. Located in the original walled portion of the city, the neighborhood was used by Dubose Heyward as the setting for his book, Porgy.

Joseph Manigault House
The Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, is a premier example of neoclassical architecture. Designed by gentlemen architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother Joseph, the house is one of the most distinguished in the city, capturing the lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family. The interior reflects an outstanding collection of American, English and French furnishings of the period. A charming Gate Temple is the focus of the period garden. The Joseph Manigault House, which is owned and operated by the Charleston Museum, has been featured on "America's Castles."

Middleton Place
Surrounded by America's oldest landscaped Gardens and the Plantation Stableyards, the House Museum displays 18th and 19th century Middleton family china, silver, furniture and portraits. Guided tours introduce visitors to the Middleton family and their very important role in American history. The House Museum tour is $12 on site and $11 online.

Nathaniel Russell House
Completed in 1808 and set amid spacious gardens, the Nathaniel Russell House is recognized as one of America's most important neoclassical dwellings. The mansion features graceful interiors with elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, geometrically shaped rooms and a magnificent free-flying staircase. Furnished with period antiques and works of art, many of Charleston origin, the house evokes the gracious lifestyle of the city's merchant elite. The Nathaniel Russell House interprets the lives of both Nathaniel and Sarah Russell and their African-American slaves through the workings of a grand Federal townhouse in one of the antebellum South's premier urban centers. The house is owned and operated by Historic Charleston Foundation.

Thomas Elfe House
Built prior to the American Revolution by the city's most famous cabinetmaker, the Thomas Elfe House is a small Georgian-style Charleston single house, which features 18th and 19th-century furnishings. Elfe, who emigrated from London in the mid-18th century, was considered the best master craftsman of his time, and a contemporary of Thomas Chippendale. Elfe's fine cabinetry graces many of the area's historic homes.

Use the links above on the right to research more about Charleston's forts, museums, sightseeing and tours. Or read more about Charleston's history in our Discover Charleston section.

Check out our guide to tours, attractions and what to do in Charleston.

Summerville Welcome to historic Summerville where charm and Southern hospitality blend gracefully with a modern and progressive outlook. A bicycle and pedestrian-friendly town with popular annual events and outdoor activities. Visit to relax, shop or dine. Summerville is just a short 24-mile drive from Charleston. Visit the 3rd Thursday of each month when the town comes alive with art and entertainment from 5:00-8:00pm. Visit for Sculpture in the South in May or the Farmers Market, Saturdays, from 8:00am-1:00pm from April-November.

Tommy Condon's Irish Pub Charleston's favorite Irish Pub. Tommy Condon’s Irish Pub and Seafood Restaurant has made its name by becoming one of Charleston's favorite spots for locals and visitors. Try popular Lowcountry specialties such as shrimp and grits and fish and chips. A family-oriented establishment where children are welcome. Serving food and fun into the wee hours. In the pub enjoy or sing along with the "live" sounds of Ireland every Wednesday-Sunday night. Large groups welcome. Great brews and affordable menu all day.

Bulldog Tours Charleston's premier walking tours with exclusive access to some locations. Behind the scenes of the Holy City's graveyards, back alleyways, and dungeon. As seen on Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted Places. Ghost Dungeon, Dark Side Charleston, Ghost Graveyard Walking Tours, Haunted Jail Tour, Charleston Strolls, Walk With History and more. Tours meet at our Ticket Office at 40 North Market Street. Our shop is located inside the Rainbow Market. Look for “Bulldog Tours” above our door.