Charleston! Charleston!: The History of a Southern City

by Walter J. Fraser Jr.

Often called the most "Southern" of Southern cities, Charleston was one of the earliest urban centers in North America. It quickly became a boisterous, brawling sea city trading with distant ports, and later a capital of the Lowcountry plantations, a Southern cultural oasis, and a summer home for planters. In this city, the Civil War began. And now, in the twentieth century, its metropolitan area has evolved into a microcosm of "the military-industrial complex."

This book records Charleston's development from 1670 and ends with an afterword on the effects of Hurricane Hugo in 1989, drawing with special care on information from every facet of the city's life―its people and institutions; its art and architecture; its recreational, social and intellectual life; its politics and city government.

The most complete social, political, and cultural history of Charleston, this book is a treasure chest for historians and for anyone interested in delving into this lovely city, layer by layer.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel, American History

560 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

Reviews

[Seth Woodley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Few cities can match the diversity, the extent, and the sedate elegance of historic Charleston, where one can walk for miles without ceasing to be pleased with the surrounding" (437). Charleston is a fascinating, beautiful city with a complex history. It is a city with a rich history from Colonial America to the present day. It has deep connections with America's independence and the Civil War. There are great things about this place, but its past also contains crime, poverty, and racism. It is hard to come away from this book without noticing the deep and lasting impact of slavery and racism. As a South Carolinian and a graduate of the College of Charleston, it is powerful to see how much has transpired in one of the most historic cities in the U.S. As Septime Clark said, "how can anyone who has been brought up with the smell of the Low Country in his nostrils ever stay away from it long? (418). This book is informative, and, especially for those familiar with Charleston, it will increase your affection for this place.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was sometimes a tedious read (as many detailed historical accounts can be), but it was at the same time fascinating. I read as much about my adopted hometown as I can - I want to learn everything! And this book is a great educational tool.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1989 by a local author and history professor, this is a great overview of the social, economic, political, and geographical evolution of Charleston. South Carolina, from its initial settlement as a proprietary colony until 1989, shortly before Hurricane Hugo devastated the area. The book is intentionally high-level and fast-moving, but it still gives sufficient detail to adequately tell the story. It's also segmented into short time periods, which helps keep people and events in perspective. Residences, commercial buildings, and other local landmarks are referenced throughout to allow the reader some context in how the physical landscape originated and was subsequently altered over the years. Of particular interest to me were the early period of transition from colonial to antebellum and the 20th century economic and race relations issues. As I now live in Charleston, this book has given me new insight into some of the whys and hows regarding the evolution of the city, and I recommend it to anyone interesting in connecting some local history dots.

[Andrew Haubenstricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book on the evolution & history of Charleston from its origins of European colonization to the present. Very tedious at times. To some degree, the original “character” of the town has stayed in tact. The idle debauchery has persisted since the mid-19th century to the present. The city, containing an “old money” aristocratic yoke, dating back to the plantation days still persists. It is a place, still, with style over substance, a seedy “sea town” underbelly & the rats nests of poverty & racial tensions

It is also interesting to note how the weather & tropical storms have impacted the city from its begins to present. Constant yellow fever, typhus & disease in the 17th century to devastating hurricanes in the present.

As Charleston evolves into a tourist destination & industry attractor it’ll be interesting to see how much the character of the place will change. Will the preservation efforts succeed or will it succumb to the sea tides of change?

[Bubba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating stuff about early history. May have taken too big of a topic but well done and great stories and amazing historical topics. You don’t have to live here to enjoy

[M DeGarmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive look at Charleston’s history, culture and activities. Well written, easy to read. Details are amazing.