Downtown Charleston

After lunch we walked the streets and alleys around our hotel, through the historic markets and down to the waterfront. The houses are absolutely amazing and the waterfront area beautiful. Pineapples and the Palmetto tree adorn everything. The Palmetto tree can be found on the South Carolina flag. Pineapples are not grown in the area and never have been. Exotic fruit had to be imported so the pineapple became the symbol of wealth and hospitality. Contrary to popular belief the most common crop in South Carolina was in fact rice and not cotton. Rice was grown from the early 1700s and cotton only introduced in the mid 1800s. The first slaves brought to Charles Town (as it was called under British rule) came from West Africa and they brought not only the plants but the knowledge and expertise of how to grow rice. Live oak trees (so called because they never loose their leaves) line the streets. Even in the overcast conditions it is an absolutely beautiful city. Charleston is the oldest and largest city in the state of South Carolina. It is often referred to as the Holy City as it is known for its tolerance for all religions and its numerous historic churches. Charleston is home to the Circular Congregational Church, which is one of the oldest congregations in the South.