South Carolina Has Its Own Museum Mile And It’s Positively Fascinating
It’s easy to think of a museum as filled with old artifacts significant in the history of a specific place or subject. But a MUSEUM MILE is much more and you’ll want to put on your walking shoes and walk this one mile in South Carolina. Here’s why: along this one mile you’ll find six museums, five nationally renowned grand historic homes, four scenic parks, several historic churches, a Revolutionay War powder magazine and a city market in use since the 1700s. Take a look below at some of the highlights along South Carolina’s Museum Mile:
Offering an interesting window into the life and times of antebellum Charleston, the Joseph Manigault House was built in 1803 by wealthy rice plantation owners. It's open for tours that take approximately 30 minutes. Hours are Mon - Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m.
Located just one block off Meeting Street, this 1820 Charleston home once belonged to SC Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. The house is open for tours that give you an insiders look at nearly all of the house and grounds. Hours are Mon - Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. The last tour begins at 4:15 p.m.
Billed as America's First Museum, the Charleston Museum showcases the history of the Lowcountry with exhibits ranging from battles to life and culture, and there are fun things for the whole family! Hours are Mon - Sat 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Built in 1841, Market Hall (a.k.a. Daughters of the Confederacy) now houses a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing Confederate memorabilia, including swords, uniforms and flags, among other things. Hours are Sun – Mon closed, Tues - Sat 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Just a few steps off Meeting Street, you'll be able to explore the oldest public building in South Carolina, which is now a museum. It was built in 1713 and has walls that are 32 inches thick. During the American Revolution it was used as a gunpowder store. Both before and after, it had several uses. Hours are Mon - Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
One of the most prominent collections of American art, particularly that which showcases the Lowcountry, is housed within the walls of the Gibbes Museum. The building includes three floors with nearly 10,000 works of art. Hours are Monday CLOSED, Tuesday 10 a.m. - 5p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Postal Museum - corner of Meeting Street and Broad Street
Within the working U.S. Post Office at this location on Meeting Street is a small museum showcasing some unique artifacts worthy of a stop. From vintage stamps to equipment and even an antique carrier bicycle, the fascinating historical items found here will carry you back in time. Admission is free. Hours are Mon – Fri 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Restored to its original state, this former single family residence in Historic Charleston is awe-inspiring, both inside and out. Gardens grace the exterior, and the show-stopping free-flowing staircase inside is magnificent. Hours are Mon - Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m.
Divert just two blocks off Meeting Street to visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Completed in 1771, the building was used for civic purposes until it was taken by the British during the American Revolution and the lower floor was used as a military prison, while the upper floor was used as a barracks. Today, the structure is operated by The Daughters of the American Confederacy. Tour hours are daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Circular Congregational Church, U.C.C. - 150 Meeting Street
Rich in history as well as architectural significance, the Circular Congregational Church is open for tours. The building in which this house of worship rests is the second church on this spot. In 1861 the original church was burned in a fire that spread over much of Charleston. Due to the Civil War and other issues, the congregation didn't rebuild on this spot until the 1890s - but they used bricks from the original church. Tours are offered Mon - Fri at 10:30 a.m.
Located on the corner of Broad and Meeting Street, St. Michaels is considered the most extravagant church built during the Colonial period, and is possibly the oldest surviving church in Charleston. The adjoining graveyard is filled with old tombstones and dignitaries, including two signers of the Declaration of Independence. Although tours are not officially promoted, the church doors are open (in addition to traditional services) Mon - Thurs 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sat 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In total, 26 historical locations are part of Charleston’s Museum Mile. Further, you can save by bundling your tour tickets into packages. For instance, if you want to see all of the sites significant during the Revolutionary War, or Civil War sites, they have discount packages all set up for you. Want to see just the historic old homes that offer tours? They have a special ticket package for that, too. To view a list of all 26 of the locations on the Charleston Museum Mile and/or purchase tickets, visit their official website here.
South Carolina’s long history means we have more than our fair share of historical museums. But history aside, if you want to see some of the more eclectic (and even strange) museums in the Palmetto State, then read this article.
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
