Charleston

Charleston is a name applied to several places in the United States, the most populous being Charleston, South Carolina, a port city in the southeastern state’s Lowcountry region. Located on the Charleston Peninsula between the Ashley and Cooper rivers, it is the seat of Charleston County and a historic commercial center.

Founded in 1670 as Charles Town by English colonists, the city grew into a major Atlantic port and cultural hub. It played a key role in colonial trade, the American Revolution, and the Civil War, where Fort Sumter marked the war’s opening engagement. Today Charleston combines preserved historic architecture with a robust modern economy.

Tourism is a major part of its economy, driven by the well-preserved Historic District, stone streets, and antebellum mansions such as Rainbow Row. The city is home to the College of Charleston, The Citadel, and the Medical University of South Carolina, contributing to education and health services. The Port of Charleston is a leading gateway for container and cruise traffic, and the region has growing technology and manufacturing sectors.

Other places named Charleston include the capital of West Virginia and several smaller towns across the United States.