The Aiken-Rhett House stands as the most intact urban villa, surviving virtually unaltered since 1858. Many objects can still be found in the rooms for which they were purchased.

This section of Church Street was used as the inspiration for "Catfish Row" in the Dubose Heywood story, Porgy. That story was the basis for Gershwin's opera, Porgy and Bess. Porgy, the character, was based on real-life Charlestonian, Samuel Smalls.

Moray eels, loggerhead turtles, sharks, river otters and more provide the best view of Charleston. For an exclusive look at the Amazon, check out the Secrets of the Amazon exhibits where the sights, smells and sounds surround you.

America's most tragic conflict ignited at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, when a chain reaction of social, economic and political events exploded into civil war.

Very likely, Drayton Hall was the first building American designed in the Palladian style. Tour the house, the African-American cemetery and take a self-guided nature walk.

This 18th century rice plantation houses 65 acres of America's oldest landscaped gardens. In the stable yards, craftspeople recreate the activities of the plantation.

In 1772 this house was home to Thomas Heyward Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence. In 1791, when George Washington arrived in town, the house was rented to him. Furnished with Charleston-made furnishings, you can feel the history.

Morris Island is located off of Folly Beach and is an ecologically and historically sensitive barrier island. The 123-year-old Lighthouse now stands on only 80 acres of submerged land.

For nearly two centuries, visitors have admired the grand Federal townhouse of Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell. With its elaborate ornamentation and free-flying staircase, it's easy to see why.