43. Colonial Lake   
circa 1768

An act in 1768 established that this section of the city was to be for public use. This body of water was likely used as a millpond by the numerous sawmills that operated in the area until the late 19th Century. Union soldiers held captive in the city sometimes referred to the area as “the pond.” After the war, several veterans’ groups held here a small-scale re-enactment of the 1861 firing on Fort Sumter. It’s a popular area in which to stroll, picnic, or sit and enjoy the weather.

44. The Old Marine Hospital   
20 Franklin Street
circa 1831

A National Historic Landmark, the Old Marine Hospital was designed by Robert Mills, often referred to as the first professionally-trained American architect and a Charleston native. Mills was responsible for the Washington Monument and many public buildings throughout the State and nation. The Marine Hospital was one of the most controversial buildings of Charleston’s antebellum period, viewed by state’s rights advocates as an illustration of the Federal government’s abuse of its powers.

45. The Old Jail   
21 Magazine Street
circa 1768

The first jail was established at this location in 1802. Many notorious inmates have served time within its somber walls. John and Lavinia Fisher and their gang of murderous highwaymen were held here in 1819-1820. Four white men suspected of being involved in the aborted 1822 slave revolt were also kept behind bars at the jail. 19th century pirates were also kept here until the sentences could be carried out. During the Civil War captured Union soldiers were locked up alongside the regular inmates. The School of the Building Arts currently operates out of the building.

46. Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church   
5 Glebe Street
circa 1847

The Glebe Street Presbyterian Church built this structure in 1847-48 on land leased from St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church. Eventually the land was conveyed to Glebe Street Presbyterian, which sold the property to the Zion Presbyterian church in 1866. In 1882 the property was purchased by a group of parishioners from the Emanuel AME Church to alleviate overcrowding. It is the first brick church building owned by African Americans in Charleston. The building is now part of the College of Charleston campus.

47. William Rhett House   
54 Hasell Street
circa 1712

This is probably Charleston’s oldest existing private residence, built by Col. William Rhett around 1712. Rhett came to South Carolina in 1698 and quickly became a successful military leader. He was known as the “Scourge of the Pirates,” allegedly responsible for bringing both Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet to justice. He is buried in the St. Philip’s Graveyard on Church Street. The exterior of the house has been greatly altered over the years and is now privately owned.

48. Middleton-Pinckney House   
14 George Street
circa 1807

Pinckney and Middleton are two old distinguished names in the Lowcountry. The double name comes from two marriages. Construction on the house began in 1796 under the guidance of a Mrs. Frances Motte Middleton. A year later Mrs. Middleton had remarried and she was now known as Mrs. Frances Motte Middleton-Pinckney. In 1826 the house left family hands, and the owners have changed numerous times. Once the mansion served as the headquarters of Charleston city water works and recently served as the office for Charleston’s world-famous Spoleto festival.