Charleston is situated in the State of South Carolina. In the year 1901, it was made the county seat when Charleston County was founded. Initially, the city's name was Charles Towne in the year 1670 named after England's King Charles II. During 1680, the town moved to Oyster Point, its existing site, from Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River. The new name of "Charleston," was used during 1783. The city of Charleston was the 5th biggest city within North America in the year 1690. The city of Charleston remained one of the 10 biggest cities in the United States through the 1840 census.
Due to the prominence of churches in the city's low-rise cityscape, the city of Charleston has been nicknamed the "Holy City." The city was once part of the original 13 colonies that offered religious tolerance, which was restricted to only non-Catholics. Hence, many Huguenots found their way to Charleston City. Several steeples dot Charleston's skyline.
Charleston is located just south of the mid-point of the South Carolina coast. The city of Charleston lies at the confluence of the Cooper and Ashley Rivers. These two rivers merge together and flow into the Atlantic Ocean. The Charleston Harbor is located between downtown Charleston and the Atlantic Ocean.
The city of Charleston serves as a main tourist spot. There are a variety of hotel chains, bed and breakfasts, inns and luxury hotels in the area. Charleston is known for its award-winning restaurants and quality shopping. There are two shipping terminals within the city. They are both owned and operated by the South Carolina Ports Authority. As well, they are part of the 4th biggest container seaport on the East Coast and during the year 2009, likewise the 13th largest container seaport in North America.
The region itself is home to industry, retail trade, distribution as well as being a centre for finance. These have become key economic assets due to the transportation systems within the area. Other vital economic sectors for Charleston include healthcare, finance, tourism, telecommunications, automotive and professional services.
For years, the chemical industry has been a key economic driver for the area. The chemical businesses that are located within the area consist of Monsanto, FMC, E.I. du Pont de Nemours, Union Carbide Corporation, Clearon Corp and Union Carbide Corporation. There are other industries within the region that mainly contribute to the economy of the region such as glass making, steel fabricating and energy development.
Due to its early origins as a colonial city, there are numerous historical attractions and museums throughout Charleston. Downtown Charleston features the Old Exchange and Customs House that rivals both Faneuil Hall in Boston and Independence Hall in the city of Philadelphia. These are three of the most significant Colonial structures within the country.
Fort Sumter in the city of Charleston was the site where the very first shots of the Civil War were fired. Also in the city of Charleston is Fort Moultrie, that was the site of a critical victory over the British in the Revolutionary War. Across the river within nearby Mount Pleasant, Patriot's Point is located. It is home to several naval vessels such as the USS Yorktown.
There are various historical sites and museums in the area such as the Children's Museum of the Lowcounty, the Charleston Museum and the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. The city of Charleston likewise houses the Postal Museum, the American Military Museum, Edisto Island Museum, Summerville Dorchester Museum, the Confederate Museum, the Citadel Museum and the Shem Creek Maritime Museum.