Why Genealogists Should Search Charleston, South Carolina Records

Charleston, South Carolina was formed in 1670. It was one of the earliest port cities available to the American Colonies. Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Hanahan, and Goose Creek sprang up almost at once. The advantage was that Charleston was situated on a peninsula between the estuaries of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers. Thus, transporting goods via these rivers built the adjoining regions. The beauty of those rivers, combined with old homes and buildings, provides charm and antiquity to a welcoming city.

One can imagine British prison boats in the harbor when the British captured the city. Many old buildings remain, and walkable cemeteries. Visiting inside the old churches is worthwhile, and some of them feature plaques on the walls of its oldest citizens — information from the old cemetery.

The old cemeteries and churches contain a lot of information, and I highly recommend visiting the oldest structures.

Charleston’s unique preservation of its ancient records is also a huge attraction to the genealogist, and courthouse records should be first on the list. If you are unable to do this personally, I would suggest SouthCarolinaPioneers.net, where old wills, estates, and petitions dating from 1670 to 1846 are online.