Chicora Walk: An American History Tour

Chicora Walk: A Historical Tour of Charleston

The Chicora Walk has been selected by TripAdviser users for a 2021 Traveler's Choice award - Best of the Best. Almost every guest has told us that we have created the best walking history tour in Charleston. On our walk through one of the oldest cities in America, we will explore the tapestry of American history. Established in 1670, Charleston grew to become one of the nation’s leading ports and was an especially important for trade and military defense in the South. In fact, by 1750 Charleston was the largest and wealthiest city south of Philadelphia.

Our guides love to pull you into the narrative of Charleston's rich and fascinating history. From its wealth and opulence to the many disasters that fell upon this great city. We also explore its place in the darkest parts of American history and humanity. As a city abound with generations of opportunity, people of great diversity came from near and far to participate in the building of one of the early melting pots in America. Charlestonians built enduring structures; houses, churches, businesses and forts all with their own stories to tell. These streets and structures have been walked by presidents and foreign dignitaries, generals and soldiers, slaves and slave traders, and pirates and merchants. You will feel a part of the celebrations held for visiting presidents to the devastating fires, earthquake, hurricanes along with attacks by foreign invaders, pirates and eventually Union armies that were defended against.

Let's Take a Walk

"History is a mighty drama, enacted upon the theatre of times, with suns for lamps and eternity for a background.”
Thomas Carlyle

Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice 2021 Best of the Best

Plan Your Tour

Price

$34 per ticket

Time

Starts 10AM Daily,
Duration 2 Hours

Starting Point

Bitty & Beau's
159 Church St.
Charleston, SC

We had an amazing time! Have not stopped talking about it and all of the stories we learned. You have such a gift of story telling and your passion and knowledge of the city make your tours amazing!! - Jennifer P. (Florida)

The Badass Broads tour is truly badass. Jonathan' knowledge and passion for Charleston's history is simply amazing. We laughed, we cried and enjoyed every minute of it. - Warren G. (Texas)

“Chicora” are the fresh coastal breezes that add to Charleston’s charm and natural beauty. Legend has it that during a particularly deadly outbreak of disease the natives suggested that their foreign neighbors move down to the peninsula where the healing, “chicora” breezes would restore their health. It may be that these breezes also limited the population of mosquitos that were vectoring their ailments and so the settlers indeed found improved health. They probably found other things such as fertile soil and other resources that made it an ideal place to build give rise to Charleston, South Carolina. 

Tour of the Tour

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

  • Oldest congregation in Charleston
  • John C. Calhoun, 2 time VP buried here
  • Christopher Gadsen, William Rhett, Charles Pinckney and Edward Rutledge buried here
  • Four degree tilt due to earthquake of 1886
Oldest congregation in Charleston, John C. Calhoun, 2 time VP buried here, Christopher Gadsen, William Rhett, Charles Pinckney and Edward Rutledge buried here, Four-degree tilt due to earthquake of 1886

Dock Street Theater

  • First building in America to be used for theatrical performances
  • Destroyed in Great Fire of 1740
  • Reopened as Planter’s Hotel in 1809
  • Planter’s punch invented here
  • Reopened in 1937 as a theater
  • Reopened in 2010 as a theater
Dock Street Theater

French Huguenot Church

  • Also known as the Church of the Tides

Chalmers Street

  • One of 8 remaining cobblestone streets in Charleston

The Pink House

  • 2nd oldest house in Charleston

Ryan’s Mart

  • 40 to 50 slave markets
  • This is the only one that is still standing
  • Currently a museum
  • 40% of all slaves brought to this country came in through the port of Charleston
  • Here we discuss this part of our city’s history
Ryan's Mart

8 ½ State Street

  • Discuss different architectural features and why Charleston is one of the most well-preserved cities in America

Old Exchange

  • Built in 1771
  • It is the last building built with British money
  • This was a gift from the British
  • August 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read to the citizens of Charleston from these steps
  • In 1788, the Constitution was ratified by South Carolina in this building
  • In 1791, President Washington visited and a three-day ball was held for him where he danced with over 250 women
Old Exchange

Rainbow Row

  • Originally merchants’ homes
  • Shops were on the first floor and the merchant’s families lived on the second and third floors
  • Was rehabbed in the 1930’s
  • Painted these colors to celebrate our connection with Barbados
Rainbow Row

Robert Smalls

  • Born into slavery
  • Was sent to Charleston and became a wheelman in the harbor
  • Assigned to the CSS Planter
  • Stole the ship and turned it over to the Union
  • He became a Captain in the Union Army
  • Returned to Beaufort after the War and bought the plantation that he was born on
  • Served one term in the South Carolina General Assembly and five terms in the US House of Representatives
Robert Smalls

Stoll’s Alley

  • We will see several great examples of ironwork made by Philip Simmons
  • Philip Simmons was one of the most well-known blacksmiths in America

Let's Take a Walk

  • star rating  My husband and I were privileged to join the “Bad Ass Broads” tour with Jonathan today. I am a South Carolinian, took South Carolina history, went to college... read more

    avatar thumb angelalO6637DZ
    March 12, 2023

    star rating  Informative and fun tour - We love doing history tours in cites we visit, and the Chicora tour with Jonathan was by far the best history tour we have experienced. Jonathan is a great... read more

    debrahF2035RE
    March 10, 2023

    star rating  Accurate and Imformative - Do not miss this Chicora Walk with Jonathan! Jonathan is so knowledgeable about all things Charleston! I learned so much about the city while walking with him. ... read more

    Jennifer K
    March 8, 2023

    star rating  Wonderfully informative tour - What a wonderful tour. Jonathan was very knowledgeable and warmly friendly with a great sense of humor. I learned lots about Charleston history given in very entertaining stories. His passion... read more

    G9040CEdebbiea
    March 6, 2023
  • star rating  We originally booked in January, but 10 minutes into the tour, a torrential downpour happened. It was the last day of our trip, so he let us reschedule for February... read more

    avatar thumb W9490NUsusanb
    February 28, 2023

    star rating  My husband and I had taken several tours during our stay in Charleston and this one by far was our favorite. Jonathan was knowledgeable and shared many facts that were... read more

    avatar thumb diricc
    February 21, 2023

    star rating  Jonathan is amazing, funny and passionate about Charleston. He is a wealth of historical knowledge that makes the time fly. By walking we got up close and personal with all... read more

    avatar thumb minnesotamigrant
    February 10, 2023

    star rating  Jonathon is an amazing storyteller and tour guide. One of the best tours we have taken. His knowledge of Charleston is incredible and he will keep you entertained. If you... read more

    avatar thumb bobfJ5560TI
    February 7, 2023
  • star rating  Jonathan was the best guide we could have asked for. He has great stories to share and is so knowledgeable about Charleston's long history. He patiently answered all of our... read more

    avatar thumb pkd2023
    January 30, 2023

    star rating  Jonathan is a knowledgeable and personable guide. He is passionate about history in a way that is contagious.

    avatar thumb Curious83368
    January 21, 2023

    star rating  What a fun and informative tour with Jonathan! He truly made history come alive for my daughter and I. He encouraged questions and shared so much of his knowledge.

    avatar thumb joannegA4243BB
    January 16, 2023

    star rating  Best city tour we’ve ever taken. Jonathon was incredibly knowledgeable and a wonderful storyteller.
    Reveals a real love for the city of Charleston, its history and its inhabitants.

    avatar thumb joycefL9988RR
    January 13, 2023
  • star rating  Jonathan is a great guide. He was both knowledgeable and funny which really made the tour even more pleasurable. We definitely recommend this tour and any other JWalk tour while... read more

    avatar thumb MerMom09
    January 8, 2023

    star rating  One of the best - I have been on many tours in the Charleston area and I was so impressed with the tour. The perfect mix of knowledge and humor with a lot of new... read more

    desdrae
    January 7, 2023

    star rating  I have visited Charleston many times and taken many tours and the Badass Broads Walking Tour goes is on the top 3 list.
    Johnathon is a wealth knowledge not only... read more

    avatar thumb lina7423
    January 3, 2023

    star rating  Jonathan is a wonderful guide. We loved how he engaged us as his guests, weaving the geography, the different historical periods

    avatar thumb fblesse
    December 24, 2022
  • star rating  Jonathan was very congenial and really made the history of the city very interesting. The stories of the people who influenced the early days of Charleston were enjoyable. ... read more

    avatar thumb charles g
    December 17, 2022

    star rating  Enjoyable and Enlightening Tour - Jonathan is an excellent guide, weaving history into stories which make one more likely to remember the information! He includes history of Charleston's beginnings, Revolutionary and Civil War periods... read more

    Rebecca L
    December 15, 2022

    star rating  We have a very inquisitive 9 year old. Jonathan was very patient with him, and answered his many (many!) questions. Jonathan is very knowledgeable, and he clearly loves Charleston.

    avatar thumb ya_prekrasnaya
    November 27, 2022

    star rating  A Must Do! - We all had a great timeincluding my children, ages 20 and 21. Jonathan was very knowledgeable and passionate about Charleston’s history. Would highly recommend!

    dories545
    November 22, 2022
  • star rating  Very informative and lively tour. Would definitely recommend it!
    Jonathan is very knowledgeable about Charleston and it’s rich history.

    avatar thumb dtl5
    November 20, 2022

    star rating  The Highlight Of Our Charleston Visit! - Wow!....we were so lucky that our hotel concierge recommended JWalk! Jonathan was an outstanding guide....leading us through the streets and alleys of the Charleston Chicora peninsula while providing a... read more

    Charles F
    November 20, 2022

    star rating  Jonathon was a class act and an amazing tour guide, extremely knowledgeable but more importantly made the tour interactive and fun for everyone. My wife and I highly recommend this... read more

    avatar thumb cgq1969
    November 7, 2022

    star rating  Jonathan was an incredibly articulate, entertaining & knowledgeable guide. The 2 hour tour was paced for his guests, and he answered all of our questions with ease. The... read more

    avatar thumb John S
    November 3, 2022
  • star rating  Badass Broads Walking Tour - Best Ever - Jonathon was the best tour guide I’ve ever had. We did The Badass Broads of Charleston Walking tour. He was extremely passionate and knowledgeable. Every story has a... read more

    cindysF7344KN
    November 3, 2022

    star rating  I love a great tour and this one was THE BEST I've ever experienced! Two solid hours of great stories, fun adventures, deep history, and a roller coaster of emotions.... read more

    avatar thumb Cindy H
    November 2, 2022

    star rating  BEST TOUR EVER. John is not just a knowledgeable historian, but a fabulous storyteller. We were hanging on every word!

    avatar thumb laurenaU9451MB
    October 21, 2022

    star rating  Charleston Walking Tour - Our tour guide was amazing: informative, knowledgeable and entertaining. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour and I highly recommend it.

    Carole L
    October 21, 2022
  • star rating  Absolutely delightful and very informative. Johnathan clearly loves his city and its history and draws everyone in with his great storytelling and deep feeling for his adopted home.

    Departure686711
    October 20, 2022

    star rating  Was such a great tour!! The guide was super passionate and it showed and reflected in his tour. Taught us how much of a historic city Charleston is. A great... read more

    Y665RVgabriellam
    October 16, 2022

    star rating  Jonathan is a walking history text book when it comes to Charleston history! With only one free day in this beautiful city, we definitely picked the best way to see... read more

    CathyL160
    October 8, 2022

    star rating  My daughters and I took a 2 hours walking tour on a beautiful Tuesday morning with JWalk tours. Jonathon is a great storyteller. He is very enthusiastic and knows... read more

    Lisa W
    October 5, 2022
  • star rating  Johnathan was truly one of the best parts of our trip to Charleston. I was able to gather a group of friends coming in for a wedding to do... read more

    GonzoFast
    October 4, 2022

    star rating  I know that these reviews sound like an echo chamber, but I can only repeat what others have already said. We have taken many guided tours, and I rate this... read more

    rogbrunell
    September 23, 2022

    star rating  We have traveled all over the world and Jonathan is easily in top 1% of guides. Passionate, professional, educated on the subject matter and a damn fine person.

    Bill M
    September 21, 2022

    star rating  This tour was everything advertised and more! Jonathan is a very knowledgeable guide and his presentation of the women who molded Charleston history was awesome. We learned so... read more

    Tea4us
    September 19, 2022
  • star rating  A Charleston must see! Jonathan gave a fantastic tour! We had the best time learning all about awesome women from Charleston. He was so friendly and knowledgable, can’t recommend this... read more

    Sarah M
    September 15, 2022

    star rating  My sister and I went on a private tour of the Badass Women of Charleston with Jonathan. It was a fantastic and memorable highlight of our entire 3 week trip... read more

    Nirvanagrrl
    September 15, 2022

    star rating  Jonathan is the best tour guide! He shared his love for Charleston as we visited the historical sites, he knows stories that add depth to the experience. He... read more

    jackiekS8600MV
    September 9, 2022

    star rating  Jonathan was incredible. His passion and extensive knowledge made our time in Charleston memorable. We would take any of his tours in the future and certainly hope to again soon!

    Kristen E
    September 5, 2022

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JWalk Tours

Let's Take a Walk

Visit Charleston, SC and take a walk with us! " Walking the streets of Charleston, one of the oldest cities in America, is walking through an important part of the tapestry of American history.

Contact Info
Questions + Booking Group and Private Tours

+1 843-608-1911

Email

jonathan@jwalktours.com

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