Charleston Hospitality Helps Tell Its Slave Story
The start and the finish of two civil wars are linked to the city of Charleston in the USA.
Named after Charles II whom came back to throne after the end of British civil war in the 17th century. Only for the city to come to the fore once more in the 19th century as the place where the American Civil war started almost 200 years later!
Middleton Place, Charleston, South Carolina.
Sadly, Charleston’s history is tarnished by its role in the infamous slave trade. It being one of the largest ports involved in the importation of slaves. It should be noted that around 40% of all slaves brought to the USA, would have come through the city.
In all around 80% of all African Americans today could probably trace their roots back to Charleston!
Boone Hall, Charleston, South Carolina.
As a visitor to Charleston today its very clear from the outset that the city does its very best to tell the story of those oppressed peoples. Indeed, with many museums and even the former plantation estates informing visitors in great detail about this dark period.
CHARLESTON HOSPITALITY FROM GULLAH CULTURE
The Gullah people whom are the descendants of those slaves are extremely active in and around what is called the ‘Lowcountry’. For example promoting their culture, through art, music, crafts and drama to tourists. Be they from inside and outside of the US.
Sunset in the Lowcountry around Charleston, South Carolina.
Having myself worked a great deal in West Africa I have seen and experienced visiting the other end of the slave trade. In countries like The Gambia and Senegal.
The West African Connection
I found that the city and its people, both black and white helped to enhance my understanding of this deeply troubling episode.
Stone circle at Wassu, The Gambia.
Those very same Southern people are also responsible for making my recent visit to the area so memorable.
Gullah play at Beaufort near Charleston, South Carolina.
That much talked about ‘Southern Hospitality’ is certainly alive in Charleston!
The city is certainly very appealing its warm tropical climate and its warm people goes down well with us Brits!
Gullah talk at Boone Hall, Charleston, South Carolina.
Getting there currently from the UK, is now harder. After British Airways pulled their direct service to Charleston. Entry now has to be via a range of major east coast airports with a short hop to Charleston Airport.
The journey into the city is short where the choice of hotels in and around the city centre are excellent.
Stay in the centre would be my recommendation if you can. For this is a walking city for those fit enough. The flat and intersecting mostly 90 degree street pattern makes it easy for navigation to the prime visitor attractions.
Typical architecture of Charleston, South Carolina.
One to start with would have to be boat trip out to Fort Sumter. As this is where the first shots of the US Civil War were fired.
Where The US Civil War Started
Try to go on the first boat and watch the flag raising would be my choice. The boats leave from Liberty Square on the harbourside cost around $23.
Fort Sumter, Charleston, South Carolina.
Former plantation estates in the area include Boone Hall and Middleton Place both can be reached using tour buses leaving from the city centre. Allow at least 4 to 5 hours. Here you will get a window into the lives of both the slaves and the privileged that owned them.
Boone Hall has very good Gullah historical exhibition. Along with a row of rare brick-built slave huts in which much of the material is displayed.
Sweetgrass basket making by the Gullah people around Charleston, South Carolina.
Food of course and seafood being on the coast is very popular. Eat the likes of deep fried soft shelled crabs. Lobsters from the Atlantic and oysters from the creeks are a-plenty. The choice of eateries is numerous. From the to be expected, typical American diners to some really high-end dining.
Excellent food at the Charleston Grill thanks to Michelle Weaver
Belmond Charleston Place hotel and its Charleston Grill is certainly a great dining experience. Now under the leadership of their excellent executive chef Michelle Weaver.
The New Hotel On The Block
The new kid on the block or rather hotel on the block is the Hotel Bennett which opened in early 2019. The luxury 179 room hotel is located on Marion Square on King Street. A perfect base for your Charleston stay. Rooms are sumptuous and spacious, comfortable beds and bedding with bathrooms awash with towels and toiletries, bath and shower options or both.
The Hotel Bennett where you will get some of that Charleston Hospitality.
The river front area is where you can do some serious walking, enjoying the views out to the fore mention Fort Sumter. However, it’s the historic wooden and stone houses provide a grand tour of 18th century old town.
Buildings with a more sinister past such as the Old Exchange. Which is where slaves were traded. Built using Purbeck Stone brought over specially from Dorset in the UK. Many of the roofs of the town are covered with slates hewn from Penrhyn Quarry in North Wales.
Charleston hospitality by carriage ride Charleston, South Carolina.
Horse drawn carriage rides around key parts of the city for those that may not want to walk are on offer.
Understanding The Enslaved History Is Important
Guided slavery and freedom tours along with visits to the key historic mansions, churches and homes around the cobbled streets. Importantly an historic way of understanding more of the city.
Nick Faldo painting at Harbour Town Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, Charleston, South Carolina.
Golf as well as boating is popular. South Carolina does host some key world famous golfing events. Boating and fishing in the shallow harbour around the city offer great chances to get away from the bustle for a while.
Telling the slave story at Middleton Place, Charleston, South Carolina.
However, that good old ‘Southern charm’ will have you back in Charleston enjoying its food, its fun and its friendliness.
Yet trying also to understand more about where it went wrong in the past. Seeing a city that is trying to face up to it past rather than sweeping it under the carpet.
See Y’all!
https://www.charlestoncvb.com/
Note: I was hosted on this trip
