Charleston, South Carolina, is steeped in history. The city was founded in 1670, which is almost an entire century before the signing of theDeclaration of Independence. With so many years to her name, we are confident that even the long-standing Charleston residents might be surprised by a few of the historical facts that we have managed to dig up about the city.
 

Charleston is the birthplace of American golf

South Carolina has internationally renowned golf courses that are some of the best in the country. In fact, you might be hard-pressed to find anyone that hasn’t heard of Myrtle Beach, even if they didn’t realize that it was found in South Carolina. However, many people don’t know that Charleston is home to the first golf course in America, so long ago that it is older than the United States.
 
Scottish merchants are thought to have brought the game over the Atlantic and started playing in Harleston Green, a local public park. Shortly after that, in 1786, the players formed the South Carolina Golf Club. However, the club has no other historical record dating past 1799.
 

Charleston has a museum that is almost 250 years old

TheCharleston Museum is well-known for being the oldest museum in America, dating back to 1773. It was established the night before the American Revolution by the Charleston Library Society. Though there was a lull in activity during the Civil War, the museum has been operational for almost 250 years. It houses the most extensive collection of South Carolina memorabilia in the world. Today, collections include historical materials, natural history, photography, and videography resources.
 

A Ghostbuster owns the baseball team

He’s famous for blasting ghosts and taking on Slimer and The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. However, did you know thatBill Murray is a Charleston native? Not only that, but he also is a part-owner of the Charleston RiverDogs, the local baseball team who can trace their roots back to 1886 when they were known as the Sea Gulls.
 

Charleston was named after a king

Although representatives from South Carolina were among the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, the capital city was indeed named after the King of England. The original settlement in what is now Charleston was named Charles Town, after Charles II of England, who ruled until 1685. Charles was known as the Merry Monarch and obviously had quite a bit of fun while sitting on the throne; he is said to have spawned a dozen children, though none through marriage.
 

Charleston has a twin in Barbados

Residents of Charleston would feel right at home in Bridgetown,Barbados. In fact, the layout of each city is almost exactly the same. The architecture of both cities is similar, and you’ll find many Barbadian names given to streets in Charleston. That would make it easy to find your way home after a night on the rum!
 

Charleston was where the Civil War began

In 1861, shots were fired in Charleston. While back in those days, gunfire might not have been an odd occurrence, these particular shots fired at Fort Sumter were what led to theCivil War.
 

The Gardenia was ‘discovered’ in Charleston

Back before US Customs were as on the ball as they are today, Dr. Alexander Garden imported a Cape Jasmine plant back in 1754 from South Africa. Americans now widely know this plant as a Gardenia, after this doctor. Charleston homes are now kept smelling fresh and cleanwith Castle Keepers.
 
Charleston is a city rich in history and bursting with exciting places to visit and fantastic Southern food. It’s amazing what you can discover when you dig beneath the surface a little to find stories that will wow your dinner guests.