St. Philip's Church, Charleston
The Anglican church of Saint Philip is the second (after Saint Michael's) most prominent church in Charleston, erected in the 1830s. Its congregation, however, is the oldest in town, tracing its roots back to the colony's fledgling years. Located in the heart of the French Quarter and described as "a building of the highest quality and sophistication,” this sanctuary has two historic graveyards. The imposing tower, designed in the Wren-Gibbs tradition, justifies the church's National Historic Landmark status.
Throughout the 18th century, this was the place of worship for notable figures like Charles Pinckney, a key author and signer of the U.S. Constitution; his grave is found in the church's cemetery. Also, there is the grave of Christopher Gadsden, a founding father who designed the famous flag featuring a coiled snake and the words "Don't tread on me".
Moving into the 19th century, Saint Philip's became the spiritual home of senator, vice-president, and Secretary of State, John C. Calhoun, who was instrumental in advancing the theory of states' rights. After he died in 1850, Calhoun was initially interred in the former "stranger's churchyard" behind the church; however, with the onset of the Civil War, his remains were relocated to the portion of the cemetery across the street. Eventually, the state of South Carolina erected a huge monument at his gravesite extolling his numerous achievements.
Why You Should Visit:
One of South Carolina's most photographed buildings!
The surrounding well-preserved graveyard is a fascinating historical site filled with remarkable gravestones.
Tip:
Stop across the street at the historically-affiliated French Huguenot Church; both buildings have amazing histories and architecture!
Throughout the 18th century, this was the place of worship for notable figures like Charles Pinckney, a key author and signer of the U.S. Constitution; his grave is found in the church's cemetery. Also, there is the grave of Christopher Gadsden, a founding father who designed the famous flag featuring a coiled snake and the words "Don't tread on me".
Moving into the 19th century, Saint Philip's became the spiritual home of senator, vice-president, and Secretary of State, John C. Calhoun, who was instrumental in advancing the theory of states' rights. After he died in 1850, Calhoun was initially interred in the former "stranger's churchyard" behind the church; however, with the onset of the Civil War, his remains were relocated to the portion of the cemetery across the street. Eventually, the state of South Carolina erected a huge monument at his gravesite extolling his numerous achievements.
Why You Should Visit:
One of South Carolina's most photographed buildings!
The surrounding well-preserved graveyard is a fascinating historical site filled with remarkable gravestones.
Tip:
Stop across the street at the historically-affiliated French Huguenot Church; both buildings have amazing histories and architecture!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. Philip's Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Philip's Church
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Charleston, South Carolina
Create Your Own Walk in Charleston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Charleston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
French Quarter Walking Tour
A historic district in downtown Charleston, The French Quarter is named so for the high concentration of French merchants that once lived in the area and left their mark on it. The name was coined in 1973, when preservation efforts began for warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block. That same year the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The busy neighbourhood... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The busy neighbourhood... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historical Houses Tour
Charleston is steeped in history. Walking the colorful, narrow cobblestone streets of one of America's oldest towns, with its stunningly preserved colonial homes, you can see its story play out before your eyes practically everywhere you turn. Indeed, Charleston is among the most celebrated places in the U.S. to explore fine examples of American architecture and its progression through time.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Harleston Village Walking Tour
Founded in the 18th century, the historic Harleston Village is a charming neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina. The rich past and vibrant present of this area make it a popular destination for tourists.
At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Downtown Historical Churches Tour
Charleston, South Carolina, is also sometimes called the “Holy City.” This is due to the large number of churches found here. Needless to say, the most fascinating of them are concentrated in the Downtown area, each with its unique charm and significance.
Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Charleston Introduction Walking Tour
A popular tourist destination and a major port city in South Carolina, Charleston is fit to impress anyone with its Southern charm, friendliness, and rich history. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England, this was the first comprehensively planned town in America.
The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles