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.
Explore Charleston with self-guided GPS audio tours designed to help you discover famous landmarks, hidden gems, and local stories at your own pace. With our tour app, enjoy guided walking tours, driving routes, and biking experiences that turn your phone into a personal travel guide. Whether it’s your first visit to Charleston or a return trip, self-guided city tours make self travel easy, flexible, and unforgettable.
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.