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Black, white and Free Persons of Color Charlestonians lived Above Calhoun Street. Our historical walking tours in the areas around Upper King Street are filled with important people and places of African-American history.

Railroads and industry transformed the landscape into a ‘ new city’.  The working men and women labored within a growing urban metropolis, far different from the older, traditional port city. Merchant-planters laid out new lands for wood houses and churches above Boundary Street. Each one of these neighborhood has its own charm, architectural treasures, and personalities. By the 1850’s the were annexed by Charleston as the street was named Calhoun. 

 Reserve tickets below to join historical neighborhood tour that best fits your personal historical interests.

Each burrough, on the area commonly known as ‘The Neck’ has its own unique character, essence, and style. All of our tours provide a broad overview of the history of Charleston above Calhoun Street. However, each specific tour has a particular focus, primarily from the stories of their residents. Each tour provides a little more historical insight of a specific area of interest, while still engaging you with historical context and overview.  In many ways, each of these ‘burroughs’ is a small city unto itself, with its own charm and character. 

Purchase your place on one of our four tours with for to select a particular topic and focus that best fits your personal historical interests and curiosity.

The weight of history enlightens us.*

*Hat tip Lord Acton: History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

Charleston’s history is dynamic and diverse. It is black, white and includes free persons of color. They all have played important roles in her maintenance, her institutions, and her culture. Enslaved agricultural labor enabled the accumulation of vast wealth which was the foundation of her economic success. Above Calhoun street, Charleston confronted the many changes of the 19th century and the challenges of the 20th. These neighborhoods were filled with everyday heroes working through the tumultuous forces that shaped our country and ourselves. Above Calhoun Street was a working, industrial city of mills, foundries, and factories. Movers and shakers of all races took on entrepreneurial adventures, built factories and organized professions.

Above Calhoun Street is where folks like butchers, bakers and candlestick makers made history. These neighborhoods provide a unique view of how women of all races were essential to the endurance and life of Charleston. They offer key insights into African-American history from the enslaved to key black Charlestonian leaders, educators and legislators. In addition, Charleston was one of the most prominent locations for Free Persons of Color in South Carolina and their stories reveal the rich complexity of urban life in growing Charleston. Come join us to hear these diverse and important stories from the upper burroughs of the Holy City.

The Upper King area of Charleston is filled with a great variety of historical voices and viewpoints. The residents of these burroughs challenged and inspired the Holy City. The late 18th century, merchant planters bestowed their names and laid out plots and streets in the tidal marshes above Boundary Street. They were planned as high-end suburbs by their namesake founders. It soon became the home of industry, technology, mills and factories and residential developments.  Here, black and white barged forward into the 19th century.

This was the ‘new city’ of Charleston confronting the past and creating the future. Political and social forces transformed the city.  New technologies and financial panics challenged the foundations of this world. These Upper Wards provide particular rich insight into the triumphs and struggles in the late 19th century and beyond. Key individuals fought for changed labor conditions, social advancement and civil rights here. Join one of our tour guides to discover the inventive and industrious, working class spirit of all her citizens

Choose a tour that meets your personal interests and discover a new perspective and alternative view of Charleston’s past.

The upper part of the Charleston peninsula was a prime location for Charleston’s black population across the 20th century. It is filled with African American history. Men and women, churches and businesses strove to maintain their communities and sought equality in the workplace and civic life. Municipal leaders and businessmen tried to enhance the city while struggling with the legacy of the past. Their rich and complex history is often overlooked and forgotten. It is a significant part of the city’s history and our national awareness. The shared memory of our past is powerful, challenging and empowering, especially from this most important and historic of American cities with a diverse and dynamic past.

SPECIAL PROGRAM Tours

We also work to coordinate our walking tours with special programs for educational or corporate groups to enhance your experience in Charleston.

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