Welcome to Charleston, the charming capital city of West Virginia, where mountain spirit meets riverfront beauty. This is a place where the pace is easy, the history runs deep, and every bend in the road seems to reveal another story. As we drive along the Kanawha River, you’ll discover a city that’s as proud of its past as it is hopeful about its future. Charleston began as a rugged frontier settlement back in the late 1700s, when pioneers like Daniel Boone carved out homes along these hillsides. Over time, salt, coal, and glass transformed this valley into a center of industry — and with that prosperity came grand architecture, art, and culture that still define the city today. Along the way, we’ll pass the gold-domed State Capitol, elegant historic mansions, and lively spots like the Capitol Market and Slack Plaza, where locals gather to eat, shop, and catch up. You’ll also see the Craik-Patton House, the Holly Grove Mansion, and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart — each with its own fascinating place in Charleston’s story. But this isn’t just a tour of buildings and monuments — it’s a journey through the heart of West Virginia, a place of resilience, creativity, and community. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or an extended stay, this drive will give you a glimpse of what makes Charleston special: friendly faces, deep roots, and views that never get old. So buckle up and get ready to explore Charleston’s Wild and Wonderful side — a city that proves you don’t have to be big to have a big heart.
Welcome to Historic America’s walking tour of Charleston. We’re glad you could join us! I’m Aaron, your guide (but I also respond to professional history nerd). This is the part of the tour where I fit in my shameless plug for our website (www.historicamerica.org) and invite you to use #historicamericatours on social media while traveling alongside us today. This tour focuses on some of Historic Charleston’s “must see” attractions and gives you a glimpse into the rich history of the city. Highlights include the Charleston City Market, a waterfront park with a view of the the third longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere, the famous Rainbow Row, and the spot where the Civil War began.