The Holy City

Ok folks, to ease back into posting after a bit of a layoff we decided to start off with a quick trip to one of our favorite places - Charleston. While her historical significance alone gives the city a unique status in our state it has special meaning for Linda and me since it was our home for several years. It is also a place I have visited frequently throughout my entire life. Still, we never tire of being here and for a place that prides itself on remaining unchanged, it offers something new each time we return. So ... We thought we would bring you along as we explore this beautiful location.
The title "Holy City" came about not as a term of veneration as would be applied to Jerusalem, Rome, Mecca or Tibet but because early visitors to the area could not help but notice the tremendous number of churches that flourished in South Carolina's first capitol. The skyline in those days of modest construction was absolutely dominated by a forest of steeples.


Even today the views of Charleston from a lofty vantage point show the steeples maintaining their prominence in the city's profile. This view is looking east over the Ashley River toward the tip of the peninsula. We'll take a closer look at some of the majestic structures in just a bit.

When native South Carolinians with a deep love for this venerable lady describe it they say... "Charleston is the point at which the Ashley and Cooper Rivers come together to form the Atlantic Ocean." (Nobody ever accused the residents of being short on ego!!) Actually, when the city was first settled (creating along with it what would become the "Palmetto State) it was located further up the Ashley River at a place called Albemarle Point. Charleston Landing, home of the Charleston Zoo is now located there and it is a great place to visit.


Looking across the Ashley, beyond the city skyline, you can see the majestic Cooper River Bridge soaring skyward in the distance. The coastline above and below Charleston is protected by a series of barrier island that have become an inseparable part of her "persona". The Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island, Mount Pleasant. James, Johns', Seabrook and Kiawah Islands and many others are inextricably woven into the history of the 'low country' and each has it's own charms, treasures and secrets you should consider exploring. Of course the entrance to Charleston is still guarded by battered but proud Fort Sumter and is watched over by the silent sentinel, The Morris Island Light. These photos were taken from our hotel but we're anxious to get on the road to explore - so, we'll close this post for now but we'll keep you updated as we go. See ya.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Charleston, S.C.