13. Hibernain Society Hall   
105 Meeting Street
circa 1840

Hibernian Hall, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1840 to provide a meeting place for the Hibernian Society, an Irish benevolent organization founded in 1801. The Hall is associated with the National Democratic Convention of 1860, one of the most critical political assemblies in this nation’s history. Hibernian Hall served as the convention headquarters for the faction supporting Stephen A. Douglas. It was hoped that Douglas would bridge the gap between the northern and southern delegates on the issue of extending slavery to the territories. The divisive convention resulted in a party split, and the election of Republican Abraham Lincoln.

14. Thomas Elfe House   
54 Queen Street
circa 1760

This charming architectural gem, a Georgian-style single house, was built in 1760 by one of the colonial era’s most acclaimed cabinetmakers. Thomas Elfe, who came to America in about 1747, built this modest home from which he created over 1500 pieces of wooden cabinetwork, primarily in mahogany. The house was restored in 1970. The home has many unique and delightful features, such as china cabinets and closets worked into each chimney alcove, finely cut cornism moldings, and many fine examples of 18th and 19th Century furnishings.

15. The Dock Street Theatre   
135 Church Street
circa 1805

An essential part of the street-scape of Church Street, the Dock Street Theatre is Charleston’s last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip’s church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter’s Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble.

16. German Friendly Society   
29 Chalmers Street
circa 1829

The building that now houses the German Friendly Society was constructed around 1829. It originally housed a Bible depository, a use which reflects Charleston’s response to the evangelical movement of the early 19th Century. When first complete, the three-story brick building had a hipped roof with a square cupola. Although this cupola was removed, the building today retains many of its original features. In 1882 the Carolina Art Association purchased the Bible depository for its headquarters. From 1882 to 1904, the building housed the beginnings of the Carolina Art Association’s art collection.

17. French Huguenot Church   
136 Church Street
circa 1844-45

The first church erected by French Protestants in Charleston went up in this spot 1687. This church lasted for over 100 years before it was literally blown up in 1796! This was done deliberately, in hopes of arresting a fire raging in the city (despite this sacrifice the fire continued unabated). Four years later another church built, only to be demolished in 1844. Architect Edward Brickell White designed this current Greek revival style building. Today, this is the only French Calvinist congregation in the U.S.

18. St. Philip's Episcopal Church   
146 Church Street
circa 1712

Established in 1681, this is the oldest congregation in the city. The church originally occupied the land where St. Michael’s sits today. In 1723-1724 it was moved to its present day location. Natural disaster and renovations have claimed the other two incarnations of the church, making this the fourth structure bearing the name St. Philip’s Church. Famous figures such as Vice President John C. Calhoun, Edward Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Charles Pinckney, one of the principal drafters of the Constitution, were regular parishioners and are laid to rest in the church graveyard.