Support Us Button Widget

Charleston Hat Man mural

hat man

Charleston Hat Man | Photo: CHStoday

Table of Contents

Have you ever heard of Charleston’s Hat Man? It’s a mural adorning the side of a building on the corner Broad and Church Streets – and, like much of our city’s history, it’s a bit more complex than how it first appears.

The Hat Man was painted in the late 1800s to advertise the Plenge Haberdashery – a former occupant of the building at 43-47 Broad Street. It’s been touched up several times over the centuries, but the design stays true to the original painting.

hat man close

Charleston Hat Man | Photo: CHStoday

At first glance, you see a smiling man holding an umbrella and a cane. But look a little closer. The man is actually made up of sixteen different hats of twelve varying styles. Can you find them all?

Poll

More from CHStoday
Sweeter than Fiction also sells apparel, stickers, tumblers, candles, and stationery from its King Street store.
Historical markers are physical signs, plaques, and statues that commemorate a significant place or event. Where would you like to see a historical marker around Charleston?
Get to know a baker who calls Charleston home and prepare to cheer her on the Food Network’s “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” competition.
Get ready to make waves at Riverfront Park.
Fleet Landing is a locally-owned seafood restaurant that is celebrating a major milestone + giving back to the Charleston community.
This list of volunteer opportunities in Charleston includes everything from lending a hand at the hospital to donating to a local cause.
We want to know — which Holy CIty restaurant or meal sparks nostalgia in your heart and belly, and why?
Including gifts for neighbors, foodies, significant others, homebodies, students, and gifts under $20.
The City of Charleston’s Lowcountry Lowline project has been in the works for years and is set to
Whether you’re planning to dine in or carry-out, we’ve rounded up some options for Thanksgiving dinner in Charleston that don’t involve getting the kitchen dirty.