Discover CharlestonWait, There’s a French Quarter in Charleston SC Too?

Unlike the French Quarter in New Orleans LA, which is the city’s oldest neighborhood, Charleston’s French Quarter is a modern designation and it is not named so because of the architecture. Roughly, it’s the area inside the old walled city, bounded by Meeting Street, the Cooper River, Market Street and Broad Street. As one of the most romantic areas of downtown Charleston, the French Quarter is perfect for leisurely walks to explore centuries-old history. 

This area was settled largely by the French protestants (aka Huguenots) who fled France for the English colony where they could freely worship.  Forty-five Huguenots arrived in 1680 and by 1770, there were 450.  It wasn’t until 1973 that the area was dubbed the “French Quarter” when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.   The designation brought more attention to the neighborhood in an effort to preserve the Lodge Alley area.  There were 19th century warehouses along the wharves set for demolition.  The Historic Preservation Society nominated the area for the register of historic places (you can read the actual filing the National Register HERE).

The Charleston peninsula is made up of boroughs – South of Broad is pretty easy to find, whereas the French Quarter is a bit amorphous. The wharves and streets along Waterfront Park hint at the French influence with names like Prioleau and Gendron. Largely wealthy merchants and prosperous professionals, the Huguenots settled in this area and built their warehouses for their ships that docked off East Bay Street. The Old Exchange, or customs house, was conveniently built in this area to accommodate the import of goods into the city.

Several notable historic sites that natives and visitors alike must see throughout Charleston’s French Quarter include some of the “oldest, ” “firsts, ” and significant buildings in either the South or the nation. While wandering the streets of the French Quarter, you may want to stop and explore:

Chalmers Street – The oldest cobblestone street in the city (interesting note that the other “streets” like Adgers and Gendron are actually wharves!)

The Pink House Tavern – Arguably the oldest masonry home in Charleston, built in 1712 and site of the oldest standing tavern.  It’s actually for sale! And, it’s one of the most photographed houses in Charleston!

The Slave Mart Museum – This is the first African American Museum on the site of the last slave auction site built in 1859.

Dock Street Theater – This was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances.  The original burned down and the Planter’s Hotel was built with the beautiful wrought iron balconies.  It’s now a theater once again and a favorite among locals.

St. Phillips Church – This church body is the oldest continuing congregation in Charleston.  The first building was on the present site of St. Michael’s church in 1680.  The current Church Street building was erected in May of 1838.  Stroll through the graveyard to see notable Revolutionary War names.

The Huguenot Church – This beautiful pale pink church on the corner of Church Street and Queen Street was the center of Huguenot life.

The Powder Magazine – The Powder Magazine Museum where artillery was stored is South Carolina’s oldest public building.  Learn all about SC’s military history.

Circular Church – The Circular Church has the city’s oldest graveyard and is one of the oldest continuously worshipping congregations in the South. Not only is the church used for countless wedding ceremonies, but there’s always a concert going on! You can see the ‘Sound of Charleston’ on Wednesdays!

The Fireproof Building – Designed in a simple Greek Doric style, this building is believed to be the oldest fireproof construction in the US.

Hibernian Hall – This Greek revival architectural gem is the home of the Hibernian Society, which was founded in 1801 to provide aid to Irish immigrants.

And, of course, don’t forget to include the Art Walk held by the Charleston Gallery Association four times a year.  It spans further than the French Quarter, but many great local galleries are clustered in the French Quarter: Anglin Smith, Atrium Art Gallery, Cecil Byrne Gallery, Charleston Artist Guild Gallery, Courtyard Art Gallery, Edward Dare Gallery, Gaye Sanders Fisher Gallery, Hagan Fine Art, Horton Hayes, Lowcountry Artists, Martin Gallery, Meyer Vogel, Principle Gallery, Robert Lange Studios, Studio 151 Fine Arts.

Charleston’s French Quarter may not have the same architectural look as the French Quarter in New Orleans, but we consider it all Charleston charm (with a French accent).  Whether it’s people-watching at a sidewalk cafe on East Bay Street (Amen Street Seafood, East Bay Meeting House, Blossom, The Gin Joint, or the Charlestowne Tobacco and Wine Shop), strolling the art walk or taking a guided tour, the French Quarter is a living, breathing museum of historic and contemporary real estate.

Note: Not only is Charleston’s French Quarter the perfect place to visit, explore, and immerse yourself in, but if you find yourself wishing you could call this part of town “home, ”  you’ll be within walking distance from everything you could need. This coveted area which includes cobbled streets, charming pied-à-terres, and sweeping harbor views, has limited available real estate, so have a look at what’s currently available … and let the dreaming begin.