The City of Charleston was founded in 1670 and was established as Charles Town after King Charles II of England. Now that 350+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.
It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Charleston’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this guide, we’re delving into the history of Charleston’s streets — specifically how they were named.
Lower peninsula
The Lower Peninsula, generally located below Calhoun Street in downtown Charleston, is brimming with historic homes, restaurants, theaters, and coffee shops.
Queen Street | Originally called Dock Street, this road was later renamed Queen Street after Caroline of Ansbach, the wife of King George II of Great Britain.
Broad Street | Broad Street was previously called Cooper Street after Anthony Ashley Cooper, a lord proprietor, but was renamed when locals started talking about the town’s new “broad” street.
Chalmers Street | Chalmers Alley, named after colonial physician Dr. Lionel Chalmers, merged with Beresford Alley and together became Chalmers Street.
Beaufain Street | Beaufain Street got its name from French Huguenot Hector Berenger de Beaufain. Beaufain moved to SC in 1735 and became one of the founders of the Charleston Library Society.
Magazine Street | Magazine Street was named after powder magazines built in the area in the 1700s.
Upper peninsula
The Upper Peninsula, generally located north of the Septima Clark Parkway in downtown Charleston, is home to neighborhoods, breweries, and shopping.
Huger Street | Huger Street is named after Isaac Huger, a veteran of the Cherokee War and American Revolutionary War, who served as the first federal marshal for SC.
Septima P. Clark Parkway | The parkway was named after civil rights leader and educator Septima P. Clark, who was born in Charleston. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called her the “Mother of the Movement.”
Rutledge Avenue | This road runs through the lower and upper peninsula. It was named after John Rutledge, who served as governor of SC and Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. Read more about John Rutledge.
Line Street | Line Street’s name comes from the War of 1812 when American soldiers created a line of fortifications in the area.
King Street | King Street, which also runs through the upper and lower parts of downtown, was named after King Charles II of England. The street was previously known as the Broad Path, the High Way, and the Broad Road.
Old Village Historic District
This area of Mount Pleasant is bounded by Shem Creek to the north, Whilden Street to the east, the old bridge and marshland to the south, and the Charleston Harbor to the west.
Haddrell Street | Haddrell Street, along with Haddrell’s Point, was named after early settler George Haddrell.
Mill Street | This street was named after a rice and saw mill that was built by Jonathan Lucas on Shem Creek.
Ferry Street | A ferry service located at the end of this street operated between Charleston and Mount Pleasant before there was a bridge.
Beach Street | This thoroughfare in the Old Village used to run along a beach. The area is now covered in marsh grass.
Pitt Street | Pitt Street got its name from Sir William Pitt, who served as the Prime Minister of England.
