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Charleston Historic District: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 32°47′8″N 79°56′13″W / 32.78556°N 79.93694°W / 32.78556; -79.93694
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{{short description|Historic district in South Carolina, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox NRHP
{{Infobox NRHP
| name =Charleston Historic District
| name = Charleston Historic District
| nrhp_type = nhld | nocat = yes
| nrhp_type = nhld
| image = Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, 126 Coming St. (Charleston).jpg
| nocat = yes
| image = Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, 126 Coming St. (Charleston).jpg
| caption = Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, 126 Coming St.
| caption = Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, 126 Coming St.
| location= [[Charleston, South Carolina]]
| location = [[Charleston, South Carolina]]
| coordinates = {{coord|32|47|8|N|79|56|13|W|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|32|47|8|N|79|56|13|W|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin = South Carolina#USA
| locmapin = South Carolina#USA
| map_caption = Location in [[South Carolina]]##Location in United States
| area =
| area = about {{convert|770|acre|sqmi ha}} in 1966<ref name = nrhpinv/>
| architect= multiple, including [[Robert Mills (architect)|Robert Mills]]
| architect = multiple, including [[Robert Mills (architect)|Robert Mills]]
| architecture= [[Greek Revival architecture|Greek Revival]], Other, Federal
| architecture = [[Greek Revival architecture|Greek Revival]], Other, Federal
| designated_nrhp_type= October 9, 1960<ref name="nhlsum">{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1788&ResourceType=District|title=Charleston Historic District|accessdate=2008-03-18|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023083329/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1788&ResourceType=District#|archive-date=2007-10-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| designated_nrhp_type = October 9, 1960<ref name="nhlsum">{{cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1788&ResourceType=District|title=Charleston Historic District|access-date=2008-03-18|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023083329/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1788&ResourceType=District#|archive-date=2007-10-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| added = October 15, 1966
| added = October 15, 1966
| increase = January 30, 1970
| increase = January 30, 1970
| increase2 = July 16, 1978
| increase2 = July 16, 1978
| increase3 = August 2, 1984
| increase3 = August 2, 1984
| governing_body = Local
| refnum=66000964<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
| refnum = 66000964<ref name="nris">{{NRISref |refnum=66000964|version=2010a}}</ref>
| increase_refnum = 70000923<ref name=nris/>
| increase_refnum = 70000923<ref name=nris/>
| increase2_refnum = 78002497<ref name=nris/>
| increase2_refnum = 78002497<ref name=nris/>
| increase3_refnum = 84002028; 85001833; 86000588
| increase3_refnum = 84002028; 85001833; 86000588
}}
}}
The '''Charleston Historic District''', alternatively known as '''Charleston Old and Historic District''', is a [[National Historic Landmark District]] in [[Charleston, South Carolina]].<ref name = nrhpinv>{{Cite web | last = Stockton | first = Robert P. |author2=Mrs. S. Henry Edmunds | title = Old and Historic Charleston (Extended) | work = National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory | publisher = [[National Park Service]] | date = November 4, 1977 | url = {{NHLS url|id=66000964}} | format = pdf | accessdate = 25 May 2012}}</ref><ref name = nrhpphotos>{{Cite web | title = Charleston Historic District | work = Photographs | publisher = [[National Park Service]]
The '''Charleston Historic District''', alternatively known as '''Charleston Old and Historic District''', is a [[National Historic Landmark District]] in [[Charleston, South Carolina]].<ref name = nrhpinv>{{Cite web | last = Stockton | first = Robert P. |author2=Mrs. S. Henry Edmunds | title = Old and Historic Charleston (Extended) | work = National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory | publisher = [[National Park Service]] | date = November 4, 1977 | url = {{NHLS url|id=66000964}} | format = pdf | access-date = 25 May 2012}}</ref><ref name = nrhpphotos>{{Cite web | title = Charleston Historic District | work = Photographs | publisher = [[National Park Service]]
| url = {{NHLS url|id=66000964|photos=y}} | accessdate = 25 May 2012}}</ref> The district, which covers most of the historic peninsular heart of the city, contains an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including many distinctive Charleston "single houses". It was declared a [[National Historic Landmark]] in 1960.<ref name="nhlsum"/>
| url = {{NHLS url|id=66000964|photos=y}} | access-date = 25 May 2012}}</ref> The district, which covers most of the historic peninsular heart of the city, contains an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including many distinctive Charleston "single houses". It was declared a [[National Historic Landmark]] in 1960.<ref name="nhlsum"/>

As noted by the New York Preservation Archive Project, the Charleston Old and Historic District's creation in 1931 established "the first [[historic district]] protected by local legislation in the United States and inspired legal protection of historic sites in [[New York City]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nypap.org/preservation-history/the-old-and-historic-charleston-district/ |title=The Old and Historic Charleston District |access-date=December 16, 2020}}</ref> It is legally set up in the city's regulations.<ref>https://www.charleston-sc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14581/BAR-Ordinance?bidId= {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref> According to Charleston's interactive zoning map, the "Old District" runs south from east-west Fishburne and Line streets.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://gis.charleston-sc.gov/interactive/zoning/ | title=Zoning Interactive Map - City of Charleston }}</ref> The National Historic Landmark-designated district is smaller, running south from Bee Street.<ref name=NRHP_66/>


==Description and history==
==Description and history==
{{main article|History of Charleston, South Carolina}}
{{main article|History of Charleston, South Carolina}}
The city of Charleston was founded in 1670, with its main historic colonial heart laid out in 1680 on the peninsula at the confluence of the [[Ashley River (South Carolina)|Ashley]] and [[Cooper River (South Carolina)|Cooper]] Rivers. Since that time, the city has been a major commercial and trade center on the southeastern seaboard of North America. Its architecture reflects numerous significant periods of development, with high-quality examples of different architectural styles resulting from the city's continued importance through more than 300 years of history. Significant among these are the many Charleston "single houses", which are typically a single room in depth, and oriented with the short access toward the street, with the entrance area on a long side. These types of houses are built using all types of building materials, including wood, brick, and stucco. In [[Ansonborough]], there are blocks of fine Greek Revival houses, built in the wake of an 1838 fire.<ref name=NRHP_66>{{cite web|url={{NHLS url|id=66000964}}|title=1966 NRHP nomination for Charleston Historic District|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=2015-11-05}}</ref>
The city of Charleston was founded in 1670, with its main historic colonial heart laid out in 1680 on the peninsula at the confluence of the [[Ashley River (South Carolina)|Ashley]] and [[Cooper River (South Carolina)|Cooper]] Rivers. Since that time, the city has been a major commercial and trade center on the southeastern seaboard of North America. Its architecture reflects numerous significant periods of development, with high-quality examples of different architectural styles resulting from the city's continued importance through more than 300 years of history. Significant among these are the many Charleston "single houses", which are typically a single room in depth, and oriented with the short access toward the street, with the entrance area on a long side. These types of houses are built using all types of building materials, including wood, brick, and stucco. In [[Ansonborough]], there are blocks of fine Greek Revival houses, built in the wake of an 1838 fire.<ref name=NRHP_66>{{cite web|url={{NHLS url|id=66000964}}|title=1966 NRHP nomination for Charleston Historic District|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=2015-11-05}}</ref>

Broad Street, a major east-west thoroughfare since the early days, is home to a fine collection of Federal period houses, many of which have been converted to commercial uses. It is also where a number of important early civic and institutional buildings are located, including the 1752 [[St. Michael's Episcopal Church (Charleston, South Carolina)|St. Michael's Episcopal Church]], the 1767 [[Exchange and Provost|Exchange]], and the 1792 [[Charleston County Courthouse]].<ref name=NRHP_66/>

The city of Charleston legislatively established the "Old and Historic District" as a local historic district. In 1960, a portion of this district was designated a [[National Historic Landmark District]] for its architectural significance. When initially listed in the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1966, the district was defined as "An area roughly bounded by Broad, Bay, S. Battery and Ashley and an area along Church bounded by Cumberland and Chalmers".<ref name="nris"/> Significant boundary enlargements of the National Register district in 1970 and 1978 have resulted in it now coinciding with the locally legislated district, extending in parts as far north as Calhoun Street. The district was enlarged to add individual buildings in 1984, 1985 and 1986.<ref name=NRHP_88>{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=78002497}}|title=1988 Statement of Significance for Charleston Historic District|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=2015-11-05}}</ref>


Broad Street, a major east–west thoroughfare since the early days, is home to a fine collection of Federal period houses, many of which have been converted to commercial uses. It is also where a number of important early civic and institutional buildings are located, including the 1752 [[St. Michael's Episcopal Church (Charleston, South Carolina)|St. Michael's Episcopal Church]], the 1767 [[Exchange and Provost|Exchange]], and the 1792 [[Charleston County Courthouse]].<ref name=NRHP_66/>
== Controversy ==
The Charleston Historic District's Board of Architectural Review (BAR) has come under fire in recent years, specifically as it relates to the proposed redevelopment of the "Sergeant Jasper" property located adjacent to the historic district.


The city of Charleston legislatively established the "Old and Historic District" as a local historic district. In 1960, a portion of this district was designated a [[National Historic Landmark District]] for its architectural significance. When initially listed in the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1966, the district was defined as "An area roughly bounded by Broad, Bay, S. Battery and Ashley and an area along Church bounded by Cumberland and Chalmers".<ref name="nris"/> Significant boundary enlargements of the National Register district in 1970 and 1978 have resulted in it now coinciding with the locally legislated district, extending in parts as far north as Calhoun Street. The 1978 version was defined as incorporating "most of area S of Bee, Morris, and Mary Sts. to Waterfront."<ref name=nris/>
Initially built as a 14-story apartment building in 1950, the Sergeant Jasper's owners, The Beach Company of Charleston, SC, proposed a redevelopment of the property in 2014. As the [http://palmettobusinessdaily.com/stories/510704527-judge-orders-mediation-for-sergeant-jasper-stakeholders Palmetto Business Daily] reports, several concepts for the property's redevelopment were rejected by the BAR. As a result, The Beach Company filed suit over what it claims is an "arbitrary and capricious" review process by the BAR.


The district was enlarged to add individual buildings in 1984, 1985 and 1986.<ref name=NRHP_88>{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=78002497}}|title=1988 Statement of Significance for Charleston Historic District|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=2015-11-05}}</ref>
The Sergeant Jasper stakeholders went into court-ordered mediation over the project on [http://www.live5news.com/story/31650431/sgt-jasper-debate-continues-in-court-ordered-meeting April 6, 2014].


NARA version of "Charleston Historic District" is very different, is missing core documents. Includes maps of 1931 designated (portion which became NHL), of later addition to NHL, and of 1960 designated which was NRHP-listed. Includes correspondence, photos, more.<ref name=CHD-NARA>{{cite report|type=none|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/118996840 |title=Charleston Historic District docs at NARA |access-date=September 8, 2022}} 347 pages {{NationalArchivesNote}}</ref>
In a [http://palmettobusinessdaily.com/stories/510704816-land-use-expert-warns-of-property-rights-infringement-by-unelected-bureaucrats-on-the-charleston-bar Palmetto Business Daily] interview, Competitive Enterprise Institute senior fellow Marc Scribner criticized the BAR, saying that, "The unelected bureaucrats on the Board of Architectural Review and nosy neighbors may have all sorts of warm and fuzzy feelings about proposed real estate projects. But it is still unconstitutional to deny property owners their due process rights.”


==Images==
==Images==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Charleston style house in historic district.JPG|Charleston is home to "Charleston Style" homes in which you walk in the front door to a porch.
File:Charleston style house in historic district.JPG|Charleston is home to "Charleston Single" homes in which you walk in the front door to a porch.
File:East Battery Street Charleston Aug2010.jpg|East Battery Street
File:East Battery Street Charleston Aug2010.jpg|East Battery Street
File:King Street in Historic Downtown Charleston.jpg|King Street
File:King Street in Historic Downtown Charleston.jpg|King Street
File:Meeting Street Inn front view.jpg|[[Meeting Street Inn]], 174 Meeting Street
File:The Dewberry Charleston, Ansonborough, Charleston, SC - 49289811503.jpg|[[The Dewberry]] hotel
</gallery>
</gallery>


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*[[Charleston's French Quarter District]]
*[[Charleston's French Quarter District]]
*[[Charleston Naval Shipyard|Charleston Navy Yard Historic District]]
*[[Charleston Naval Shipyard|Charleston Navy Yard Historic District]]
*[[Emma Abbott Memorial Chapel]]


==References==
==References==
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{{Commons category-inline|Charleston Old and Historic District}}
{{Commons category-inline|Charleston Old and Historic District}}
*[http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/charleston/S10817710004/index.htm Charleston Historic District, Charleston County (Charleston)], at South Carolina Department of Archives and History
*[http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/charleston/S10817710004/index.htm Charleston Historic District, Charleston County (Charleston)], at South Carolina Department of Archives and History
* [http://www.palmettohistory.org/hpdistricts/charleston_700_test_2.html map of the district]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080219192654/http://www.palmettohistory.org/hpdistricts/charleston_700_test_2.html map of the district]


{{National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina}}
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[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Charleston, South Carolina]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Charleston, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina]]
[[Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Charleston, South Carolina| ]]

Latest revision as of 19:18, 24 September 2024

Charleston Historic District
Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, 126 Coming St.
Charleston Historic District is located in South Carolina
Charleston Historic District
Location in South Carolina
Charleston Historic District is located in the United States
Charleston Historic District
Location in United States
LocationCharleston, South Carolina
Coordinates32°47′8″N 79°56′13″W / 32.78556°N 79.93694°W / 32.78556; -79.93694
Areaabout 770 acres (1.20 sq mi; 310 ha) in 1966[2]
Architectmultiple, including Robert Mills
Architectural styleGreek Revival, Other, Federal
NRHP reference No.66000964[1] (original)
70000923[1] (increase 1)
78002497[1] (increase 2)
84002028; 85001833; 86000588 (increase 3)
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1966
Boundary increasesJanuary 30, 1970
July 16, 1978
August 2, 1984
Designated NHLDOctober 9, 1960[3]

The Charleston Historic District, alternatively known as Charleston Old and Historic District, is a National Historic Landmark District in Charleston, South Carolina.[2][4] The district, which covers most of the historic peninsular heart of the city, contains an unparalleled collection of 18th and 19th-century architecture, including many distinctive Charleston "single houses". It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.[3]

As noted by the New York Preservation Archive Project, the Charleston Old and Historic District's creation in 1931 established "the first historic district protected by local legislation in the United States and inspired legal protection of historic sites in New York City."[5] It is legally set up in the city's regulations.[6] According to Charleston's interactive zoning map, the "Old District" runs south from east-west Fishburne and Line streets.[7] The National Historic Landmark-designated district is smaller, running south from Bee Street.[8]

Description and history

[edit]

The city of Charleston was founded in 1670, with its main historic colonial heart laid out in 1680 on the peninsula at the confluence of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Since that time, the city has been a major commercial and trade center on the southeastern seaboard of North America. Its architecture reflects numerous significant periods of development, with high-quality examples of different architectural styles resulting from the city's continued importance through more than 300 years of history. Significant among these are the many Charleston "single houses", which are typically a single room in depth, and oriented with the short access toward the street, with the entrance area on a long side. These types of houses are built using all types of building materials, including wood, brick, and stucco. In Ansonborough, there are blocks of fine Greek Revival houses, built in the wake of an 1838 fire.[8]

Broad Street, a major east–west thoroughfare since the early days, is home to a fine collection of Federal period houses, many of which have been converted to commercial uses. It is also where a number of important early civic and institutional buildings are located, including the 1752 St. Michael's Episcopal Church, the 1767 Exchange, and the 1792 Charleston County Courthouse.[8]

The city of Charleston legislatively established the "Old and Historic District" as a local historic district. In 1960, a portion of this district was designated a National Historic Landmark District for its architectural significance. When initially listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, the district was defined as "An area roughly bounded by Broad, Bay, S. Battery and Ashley and an area along Church bounded by Cumberland and Chalmers".[1] Significant boundary enlargements of the National Register district in 1970 and 1978 have resulted in it now coinciding with the locally legislated district, extending in parts as far north as Calhoun Street. The 1978 version was defined as incorporating "most of area S of Bee, Morris, and Mary Sts. to Waterfront."[1]

The district was enlarged to add individual buildings in 1984, 1985 and 1986.[9]

NARA version of "Charleston Historic District" is very different, is missing core documents. Includes maps of 1931 designated (portion which became NHL), of later addition to NHL, and of 1960 designated which was NRHP-listed. Includes correspondence, photos, more.[10]

Images

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "National Register Information System – (#66000964)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ a b Stockton, Robert P.; Mrs. S. Henry Edmunds (November 4, 1977). "Old and Historic Charleston (Extended)" (pdf). National Register of Historic Places - Nomination and Inventory. National Park Service. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  3. ^ a b "Charleston Historic District". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved March 18, 2008.
  4. ^ "Charleston Historic District". Photographs. National Park Service. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
  5. ^ "The Old and Historic Charleston District". Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  6. ^ https://www.charleston-sc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14581/BAR-Ordinance?bidId= [dead link]
  7. ^ "Zoning Interactive Map - City of Charleston".
  8. ^ a b c "1966 NRHP nomination for Charleston Historic District". National Park Service. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  9. ^ "1988 Statement of Significance for Charleston Historic District". National Park Service. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  10. ^ Charleston Historic District docs at NARA. Retrieved September 8, 2022. 347 pages Downloading may be slow.
[edit]

Media related to Charleston Old and Historic District at Wikimedia Commons