The Intriguing History of Charleston’s Rainbow Row by Charleston Old Walled City Tours

Visiting Charleston is like stepping into a time machine that takes you back three centuries. As you explore the streets, it’s not difficult to imagine what life was like in the past, with each cobblestone and historical building telling its own story.

Rainbow Row, with its iconic row of 14 houses, is a prime example of Charleston’s rich historical tapestry.Extending  from #83 to #107 on East Bay Street, each house had a unique purpose.  The vibrant colors that now adorn these houses are not just a random selection; they are a testament to the city’s resilience, transformation, and adaptability over the years. The 18th-century origins of Rainbow Row are a testament to Charleston’s deep roots as a seaport.. Charlestown, as it was then called, was the leading port between the West Indies and New England.  Back then, waterfront merchants lived in these houses but also conducted their businesses on the ground floor. These houses were the offices of shipping firms and factors overlooking a bustling industrial waterfront, quite different from what we see today. It was a bustling and vibrant area of the city.  

However, following the Civil War, as the nation and Charleston grappled with the challenges of Reconstruction, the area around Rainbow Row experienced a period of rapid decline.Since it took the brunt of the shelling during the Civil War, it took on the name “ The Shelled District”.  It was a time when many parts of the city faced neglect, and these historic houses were no exception.

 It wasn’t until the aftermath of the Civil War that they fell into disrepair, bordering on slum-like conditions. It’s fascinating to think that this charming row of houses stood witness to the city’s many ups and downs over the years. In 1920, Susan Pringle Frost, the visionary founder of the Preservation Society of Charleston, recognized the value of restoring these historic buildings and the importance of preserving Charleston’s rich history and Colonial architecture. She proposed a plan for restoration, but funding for such a massive endeavor was a significant hurdle.

In the early 1930s, these houses began their colorful transformation when Miss Frost, in a collaboration  with African American contractor George Mayham Pinckney, restored 101 East Bay Street and sold  it to Judge and Mrs. Lionel K Legge.  Dorothy Porcher Legge was her friend since girlhood, and Susan got her to buy into the vision of a restored Colonial Waterfront. 

It wasn’t until Dorothy Porcher Legge took the initiative that the transformation of Rainbow Row began in earnest. The Legges had moved their family back south from Manhattan, They invited their New York friend to come South in the winter,  and they purchased the adjacent houses from Susan, They created a Winter Colony of wealthy folks from up North, and Rainbow Row bore witness to Charleston’s second Yankee invasion! Iin a bold and pioneering move, Dorothy Legge painted her house a cheery pastel pink,” to brighten up the neighborhood”, as she said, Others continued the theme, some say at the suggestion of Susan Pringlew Frost, as a nod to Charleston’s early connections to the West Indies. This move was not only a nod to aesthetics but also a symbol of hope for the city’s resurgence.

The 1930s and 40s witnessed the gradual transformation of the entire row, and it emerged as Rainbow Row, Charleston’s first successful preservation effort, and privately funded at that! Over the last 100 years amusing legends have arisen regarding the colorful Row. One theory behind the multitude of colors suggests they were chosen to catch the eye of inebriated sailors who might need to find their way home after a night on the town. Another theory, perhaps more practical, suggests that pastel colors were selected to help keep the houses cool during the sweltering summer months.

What’s especially intriguing about Rainbow Row is that it’s not just a display of colors but a reflection of Charleston’s resilience, adaptability, and the ever-present commitment to preserving its history. It’s a reminder that history is not static; it’s an evolving narrative shaped by the people and events that have touched this city over the centuries.

With roots dating back to the 17th century, Charleston itself is a treasure trove of history . The city’s historic neighborhoods, such as the French Quarter, South of Broad, and the Waterfront at High Battery, are  living museums that offer a glimpse into different periods of American history.

Rainbow Row is just one of the many iconic landmarks you can explore in Charleston. Its history is intertwined with the city’s own, making it an integral part of the Charleston experience. When you visit, you’ll find yourself transported back in time as you walk along these colorful houses, feeling the echoes of the past resonate through their vibrant facades.

A visit to Charleston wouldn’t be complete without taking one of the city’s many guided tours. These tours offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Charleston while being led by knowledgeable guides who bring the stories of the past to life.

One such tour is the Spectral Adventure Charleston Ghost Tour by Old Walled City Tours, which promises a spine-tingling adventure through the city’s shadowy alleys and historic sites. Expert guides carefully curate the routes, ensuring an immersive experience that will captivate and unsettle you. Charleston is known for hauntings and history, and this tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into its eerie mysteries.

The Old Walled City Walking Tour allows you to explore the beauty of Charleston at a leisurely pace. These tours are available at various times throughout the week, taking you through the French Quarter, South of Broad, the waterfront at High Battery, and historic Charleston Harbor, including Fort Sumter. You’ll learn about the city’s architecture, history, and the stories that have shaped it over the centuries.

The Charleston Gardens and Architecture Tour explores the city’s legacy and splendour from a different angle,This periodically scheduled tour  can include admission to private gardens and a historic Charleston house museum.

One trip that sticks out is TheSlavery and Freedom Walking Tour , which is unique in Charleston. It is solely concerned with slavery as a business and an institution. This tour is offered by appointment only and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about a significant aspect of Charleston’s history that is frequently forgotten.

For some, a Charleston Town and Country Driving Tour isa the opportunity to see the entire city luxurious comfort, with option to leave the city for the Gardens and Plantations, There is even a day trip option to Savannah!.

Charleston has a rich and diversified history that is intertwined with the greater history of the United States. The city was significant during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and its historic landmarks, churches, and cemeteries contain stories that illustrate the city’s enduring legacy,

For example, High Battery is a historic site at the Charleston waterfront that bore witness  to both the orders to shoot the first shot at the Battle of Fort Sumter as the townspeople stood on the rooftops of those very houses and witnessed that first battle of the American Civil War, Fort Sumter, located in Charleston Harbour, was the prize  of the first Civil War engagement, marking an important turning point in the country’s history.

Charleston’s architecture also bears witness to the city’s historical significance. The city’s devotion to conserving its architectural legacy is shown in antebellum houses, hidden gardens, and courtyards. Walking through the streets of the city, you’ll be surrounded by this rich tapestry of history and culture.

Charleston’s historic churches and graveyards are another aspect of the city’s heritage that is worth exploring. The graveyards hold the remains of prominent figures in American history, and the churches are not only places of worship but also repositories of the city’s past.

The city’s resilience and adaptability are reflected in its ability to preserve its historical sites and stories, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and appreciate Charleston’s unique history.

So, when you visit Charleston and admire  Rainbow Row, take a moment to appreciate not just the vibrant colors but the layers of history that have made this city what it is today. Charleston’s past is a testament to its enduring spirit, and the stories embedded in its streets offer a window into the broader narrative of American history