Support Us Button Widget

Charleston’s 1999 time capsule

What was Charleston like at the turn of the millennium? We took a look back at the final year of the 20th century to see what life was like pre-Y2K.

Aerial shots of downtown Charleston with search bar reading "Charleston 1999"

Hey Google, what was Charleston like in 1999?

Photos via Canva

Do you remember 1999? Ricky Martin’s “Livin La Vida Loca” topped the charts, we were scared of the Blair Witch, and Google officially launched.

To celebrate, Google Trends opened its time capsule to see which fads were titanic in 1999. According to the report, adults were watching “The Matrix” and “The Sopranos” while kids were into “Toy Story 2” and “Teletubbies.” People also used the search engine to learn about David Beckham or evaluate their Pokémon cards, and searches for hot sauce set the web ablaze.

Livin La Vida Local

Want to know what life was like in the Holy City? We dug up some data to help us remember the final year of the 1900s — with some assistance from a 25-year-old search engine. Let’s check out some numbers:

  • Median family income: $43,200
  • Charleston’s population: 89,063 (North Charleston: 84,106)
  • Estimated cost to buy a home: $221,776 (prices have increased by 293.9%)
  • Average cost of a gallon of gasoline South Carolina: $0.697
Screenshot 2023-03-29 at 4.31.59 PM.png

In 1999, Save the Light helped keep this lighthouse standing.

Photo by @joshfischerphotography

In the news

  • In September, South Carolina was impacted by Hurricane Floyd. Downtown Charleston measured wind gusts up to 85 mph and accumulated 4.16 inches of rain.
  • Charleston City Council adopted its first Downtown Plan, an effort to help grow the community that incorporated feedback from 1,600 locals.
  • The Charleston Area Convention Center and North Charleston Performing Arts Center opened.
  • Nonprofit Save the Light bought the Morris Island Lighthouse to preserve it.

Who performed?

Charleston was definitely in tune with the music trends of the era. Jay-Z performed “The Hard Knock Life Tour” at the North Charleston Coliseum with DMX. That year also saw performances by Dave Matthews + Tim Reynolds at Gaillard Municipal Auditorium (now the Gaillard Center) and an “All Star” show by Smash Mouth at Music Farm.

More from CHStoday
We’re exploring the ways you can help support adoptable pets at Charleston Animal Society even if you are unable to adopt.
It’s time to make winter memories at these festive rinks.
City Editors Erika and Callie ventured down to the perfect coastal escape for a treatment and an afternoon of relaxation at The Dunlin Aster.
We’ve rounded up a list of local spots open on Christmas that will serve up your holiday meals.
MINDZERO will offer contrast therapy and free sessions to celebrate grand opening.
CHStoday readers shared which local restaurants + meals they miss the most — and we think you’ll agree.
The legacy of Harold’s Cabin lives on with the opening of Lillian’s Petite Market & Eatery, a new Congress Street neighborhood-focused market and restaurant.
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?
The Italian Boy After Dark is an intimate, seasonal multi-course tasting menu at The PAss offering a complimentary cocktail.
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Charleston, South Carolina and plan for your next adventure or staycation.