Crossing the wide mouth of the Cooper River from Charleston to Mount Pleasant is an activity that has captivated the Lowcountry for ages. Most people can remember the two previous bridges that were utilized for decades (you can see footage of driving across the narrow Grace Memorial bridge here).
In 2003, construction began on the replacement bridge, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and the entire community watched it grow. One person, in particular, Frank Starmer, documented most of the highlights of construction. Take a look at 13 rare photos below, including a look at the secret signature tablet hidden somewhere on the bridge!
1. The first anchors are in place on the West Tower (the tower nearest to downtown Charleston).
4. An upclose look at a tendon and the approximately 40 individual cables inside the tendon. At left, a crew member stands in front of one of the elevators.
South Carolina's capital city of Columbia has several great neighborhoods to explore, with some of the most popular ones including Shandon and Old Shandon, Earlewood, and Rosewood. You'll find each charming in its own way. And then, there's Five Points, known as "Columbia's original village neighborhood," which you'd need at least a day in Columbia to fully appreciate, but you're likely to find yourself needing quite more than a day.
... and other public art displays including the Hootie and the Blowfish monument honoring that iconic best-selling band we're proud is rooted in Columbia. You could spend several hours exploring just the creative art displays throughout Five Points.
As you move through Five Points in downtown Columbia, you can stop for a relaxing break by one of the two beautiful water fountains that call this area home: The Five Points Plaza Fountain and the Saluda Avenue Fountain.
Speaking of home, there are a mere handful of options if you want to live in Five Points, one being a cute studio or loft apartment in what used to house Claussen's Bakery, which was built in 1928.
The space was converted into a local inn when the bakery ceased operations in 1963. It was open until 2015. When the rooms were renovated to become apartments, elements from the original Claussen’s Bakery were preserved including exposed brick walls, steel trusses, and original windows.
When you're ready for a bite to eat, you will have an abundance of delicious eateries to try for each meal of the day, including the Flying Biscuit, Andi's Deli, Blue Pizza, The Gourmet Shop, and Drip Coffee for starters.
"Shop 'til you drop" isn't just a catchphrase when it comes to Five Points. You can experience that phenomenon with everything from the Papa Jazz music store ...
You'll also find professional services like the Blossom Shop florist, Elite Framing, Immaculate Piercing Studio, and more throughout Columbia's Five Points.
Now, if you love a great party, the best time to visit the eclectic Five Points neighborhood in Columbia is for the annual St. Pat's in Five Points event! It's been called one of the top 15 best ways to celebrate St. Pat's in the U.S. by ABC News.
As you can see, this Columbia neighborhood will keep you busy for quite a while. You'll want to stay for a night or more in a great Vrbo condo in Five Points so you'll have plenty of time for everything you want to do while you're here.
Most natives know that Charleston, now the second largest city in the state, is the oldest town in South Carolina. It's a place that's changed and grown in leaps and bounds, especially in the last quarter of a century. But one thing remains constant. It's a city people have been flocking to since the first settlement was established on the west bank of the Ashley River in 1670. Another constant: Charleston residents are proud of the history of their homes.
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Here's a look at some key areas, places, and things in the city that are the oldest in town:
The oldest house in Charleston is on the city's beloved cobblestone road - Chalmers Street. The house was built in 1712 and now houses an art gallery. The Pink House Gallery is located at 17 Chalmers Street.
Built in 1712, the same year as The Pink House, the Colonel William Rhett House is also among the oldest houses still standing in Charleston. This house is located at 54 Hasell Street.
The original site of the town was at the present-day location of Charles Town Landing in the area of town locals know as "West Ashley." By 1680, this site had been all but abandoned and the town had been moved to its present location.
The Powder Magazine was authorized during Queen Anne's War in 1703 but wasn't completed until 1713. It has walls that are 32 inches thick and it was first used as a gunpowder store. Today, it's a museum with artifacts from the Revolutionary War. It's open to the public with a small entrance fee. The Powder Magazine is located at 79 Cumberland Street.
There are spots in the Holy City that claim bragging rights to a George Washington appearance. ("George Washington ate here," "George Washington slept here.") In 1791 George Washington sat in this very church. The church still has the cedar pew on which he sat. St. Michael's Church is the oldest regularly operated house of worship in the city. And while it's not commonly open for tours of the inside, you are free to explore the outside, which includes a very old cemetery. You'll find St. Michael's at the corner of Broad Street and Church Street.
Charleston's cobblestone streets date all the way back to the early days of this town. The stones, now a novelty, were used to weigh and help balance cargo ships coming into and out of Charleston. Routinely, the stones would be loaded and unloaded and left to stand in piles on the many wharves on the harbor.
At some point, the townspeople got tired of wading through muddy streets and started putting the smooth round stones into the ground to cover the roads. It's speculated that at one point there were 10 miles of cobblestone streets in Charleston. Today, only seven short streets remain.
The home at 145 Church Street known as "The Pirate House" was built in 1740. Reportedly there was a tunnel under this house that ran all the way to the harbor so pirates could come and and go as they pleased.
Residents put up elaborate iron gates and fencing around their homes during this period. As you wander around Charleston look for fences with spikes along the top like this one. Reportedly, those spikes were designed to keep the pirates out.
Just how many existing buildings in Charleston were built prior to the Revolutionary War?
It appears that at least 105 buildings still standing in Charleston were constructed prior to the Revolutionary War. As one of the most historic towns in South Carolina, you should absolutely put Charleston at the top of your bucket list if you haven't yet been It's one of my favorite cities in the country!
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In the past, Charleston was named the "Best City in America" as well as the "Friendliest City in the World," this big city got its start as a small town on the west bank of the Ashley River and has been a melting pot for new residents since then. In the last 25 years, the population of the city proper has grown by nearly 33 percent.
It's easy to see why this "town" in South Carolina has been so very popular from the beginning. Have you been to Charleston? We'd love to know and to see your photos in our comments!
