Take a stroll with us down one of Charleston’s most historic and scenic streets, Broad Street. Throughout your walk, or journey rather, you’ll experience a little taste of all that the Holy City has to offer and learn unique historic facts along the way.
Did You Know? Broad Street was originally known as “Cooper Street” after Anthony Ashley-Cooper, a Lord Proprietor. This street was renamed after Charlestonians began boasting about their new 72-foot wide “broad” street. Both street names were referred to from 1698-1714, but “Broad Street” eventually won Charleston residents over.
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Located towards the east of Broad Street is one of the most picturesque and photographed vistas and the site of some of the most important events in South Carolina history. Over the last couple of centuries, this building has been a commercial exchange, post office, custom house, city hall, military headquarters and a museum. The Exchange was constructed from the finest materials as a symbol of colonial Charles Towne’s power and wealth. This building remains a popular attraction, taking visitors back in rich Charleston history with tours and education programs.
Four Corners of Law. Throughout the 1700s, the lower end of Broad Street was occupied by merchants and craftsmen until the “Four Corners of Law” were built on their respective corners of Broad and Meeting Streets. The Four Corners are made up of a Federal Courthouse and Post Office, the County Courthouse, City Hall and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. This collection of buildings transformed Charleston into a financial and legal capital.
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. One of the oldest surviving religious structures in the Holy City is St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. It is located on one of the Four Corners of Law, facing Meeting Street. This beautiful church was built in the 1750s and is known for its 186-foot white steeple, ringing bells and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Picturesque Parks. During your tour of Broad Street, take a break in a serene setting in the heart of the Holy City. Washington Park, located at Meeting and Broad Streets was developed in 1818 when City Hall relocated to this corner. Enjoy this peaceful escape under ancient Live Oak tree canopies, benches, monuments and iron gates. As you head to the west of Broad Street, you’ll find Colonial Lake Park, originally known as Rutledge Street Pond. Located in the heart of Harleston Village, Colonial Lake has been a special part of many Charlestonians daily lives since the 1700s.
The Best in Real Estate. As a leader in South of Broad real estate, William Means has been located on Broad Street since 1933. Our firm recently relocated to our new headquarters office in I’On, one of Mount Pleasant’s most sought-after neighborhoods. We are excited to open a new office at 25 Broad Street next month and continue to maintain our downtown presence and offer unparalleled real estate services, no matter which part of town you reside.
From the winding history, historic architecture, residences that each have their individual character, restaurants and iconic parks, Broad Street is a must-see attraction for Charleston residents and visitors alike. If you’re looking to tour Broad Street or are interested in relocating to the Holy City, one of our knowledgeable agents would be delighted to show you around.
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