10/08/2026
South of Broad is one of Charleston’s most recognizable neighborhoods, but its character runs deeper than its beautiful homes and waterfront views. For centuries, this southern end of the peninsula has been shaped by Charleston’s evolving history, from its early role as a fortified waterfront to the residential neighborhood we know today. At the southernmost point, White Point Garden, originally known as “Oyster Point” or “White Point” for the bleached oyster shells that once covered the shoreline, became an important part of Charleston’s coastal defenses in the 1700s. The High Battery seawall was completed in the early 1800s, and White Point Garden opened as a public park in 1838.
The neighborhood’s history still shows up throughout its streets. South of Broad is home to centuries-old residences, distinctive Charleston piazzas, historic churches, and architectural details that reflect the city's many eras of development. During the Civil War, the waterfront once again served a military purpose, with Battery Ramsay and the King Street Battery located near White Point Garden. Today, the Battery and park remain defining landmarks, connecting the neighborhood’s present-day charm with its earlier role along Charleston Harbor.
That connection to the past has been carefully preserved. In 1931, Charleston established its Old and Historic District, centered largely around the lower peninsula, helping protect the architecture and streetscapes that continue to define South of Broad. Today, walking through the neighborhood offers a glimpse into centuries of Charleston history, from its waterfront defenses and historic public spaces to the homes and streets that have endured through generations.
