49. The Aiken Rhett House   
48 Elizabeth Street
circa 1817

Gov. William Aiken inherited this Italianate-style house from his father. Aiken served as Governor of South Carolina for two years and afterwards served six years as a Congressman. In 1863 a reception was held here to honor the visit of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Another Confederate, General P.G.T. Beauregard, used the house as his headquarters in 1864 after the bombardment of Charleston forced him from the South of Broad area. In 1975 the descendants of the family donated the house into the care of the Charleston Museum.

50. Joseph Manigault House   
350 Meeting Street
circa 1803

As one of Charleston’s most elegant historic structures, this three-story home was built by architect Gabriel Manigault as a townhouse for his brother Joseph, a plantation owner and state legislator. To many it represents an outstanding example of Federal, or Adam-style, architecture. Many of the rooms have been restored to their original color schemes. The house contains a collection of early 19th Century American, English and French furniture. The Gate Temple is the centerpiece of a period garden. The property also includes restored outbuildings, such as the kitchen, slave quarters, stables, and privy.

51. The Old Citadel   
337 Meeting Street
(Embassy Suites Hotel)

The impetus for the South Carolina Arsenal’s construction in the early 1830s was the 1822 slave revolt led by Denmark Vesey. In 1842 the South Carolina Military Academy was established and soon became known as The Citadel. Many Citadel alumni fought in the Civil War. Cadets remained at the school but were periodically ordered by the governor to support the Confederacy, and helped drill recruits, manufacture ammunition, protect arms depots, and guard Union prisoners. Citadel cadets were responsible for firing the first shots of the Civil War on January 9, 1861.

52. Marion Square   
Public Park

This public park is named in honor of Francis “The Swamp Fox” Marion, the Revolutionary War General. At the time of the war this park was the terminus of Charleston, and the tabby gates leading into the city were near this site, a piece of which (called the “horn work”) is still on the grounds. On the northeast side is the Embassy Suites, the original location of South Carolina’s famous military academy, The Citadel. Nearby is an obelisk erected in tribute to Civil War General and later Governor of the state Wade Hampton. Facing Calhoun Street is a statue honoring former Vice President John C. Calhoun, and a Holocaust Memorial.

53. St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church   
405 King Street
circa 1872

Patterned after typical German Gothic churches, St. Matthew’s German Lutheran Church is a Gothic Revival church designed by local architect John Henry Deveraux and constructed between 1867 and 1872. Its 297-foot steeple once made it the tallest building in South Carolina; it continues to possess the tallest spire. The congregation was founded originally by German-speaking Lutherans in 1840. Three thousand people gathered for the dedication ceremony in 1872.

54. Karpeles Manuscript Museum   
68 Spring Street
circa 1856

The Karlpeles Library is the world’s largest repository of original manuscripts and documents. David and Marsha Karpeles founded the institution in 1983 to encourage children to learn. It is one of seven branches nationwide. It is housed in the former St. James Methodist Church which dates back to 1791 and also served as a Confederate hospital. In addition to historical manuscripts, the museum makes space available for school programs, art exhibits, and community service. All library services are free.