Discovering Our Past: College of Charleston Histories
A project by College of CharlestonThis project, a part of the College of Charleston’s 250th anniversary, explores many of the diverse pasts and presences that are part of our storied campus. Just as we embrace inclusivity in our present, this project seeks to share the stories of all people who were part of our past, whose presences linger on the land and in our buildings, and whose contributions and stories enrich the narrative that emerges as the unfolding epic tale of the College of Charleston.
Read more About UsFeatured Stories
Randolph Hall
Built 1828-30, Randolph Hall is the signature building of the College of Charleston campus. A National Historic Landmark, the building is one of three historic structures in Cistern Yard, and it appears in the university’s main logo. Randolph Hall,…
Cistern Yard
Cistern Yard is the heart of the College of Charleston campus, serving as a green space for generations of students and as a venue for convocation, spring commencement, concerts and other events. Shaded by giant live oaks and enclosed by iron…
Towell Library
Towell Library, dedicated in 1856, served as the College of Charleston’s library until 1972. The building is a National Historic Landmark and is one of three historic structures in the College’s iconic Cistern Yard. The College of Charleston owes it…
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Slavery and its Legacies: Sites of Fellowship
7 Locations ~ Curated by The Discovering Our Past: College of Charleston Histories TeamSlavery and its Legacies: Sites of Care and Community
8 Locations ~ Curated by Olive Beck, Noah Dubois, Grace Hall, Tanesha High, Mills Pennebaker, Brandon Stone, Shannon WaitSlavery and its Legacies: Sites of Agency
8 Locations ~ Curated by Grace Hall, Tanesha High, Joshua Parks, Mills PennebakerSlavery and its Legacies: Sites of Oppression
10 Locations ~ Curated by Jenn Curtis, Samuel Graham, Tanesha High, Brandon Stone, Shannon Wait, Joseph WilliamsSlavery and its Legacies: Sites Of Resistance
8 Locations ~ Curated by Olive Beck, Jenn Curtis, Noah Dubois, Samuel Graham, Mills Pennebaker, Shannon Wait, Joseph WilliamsRandom Stories
Cabbage Row, 89-91 Church Street
“Catfish Row,” the famed setting of DuBose Heyward’s 1925 novel, Porgy, and George Gershwin’s 1935 opera, Porgy and Bess, was based upon an area of Charleston located at 89 to 91 Church Street. Before DuBose Heyward penned the story, the original…
A History of St. Philip Street
Although a single plot of College property today, for generations this block consisted of a number of privately owned parcels, each with stories of their own. Schools, a synagogue, and residences for black and white Charlestonians are no longer part…
9 College Way
Gay history, literary history, and intellectual history, are all part of the story of this house, lived in by generations of a Charleston family. This building, originally a private residence, and now the home of the College’s Department of…
Martindale-Bell House, 2 Green Way
The former home that now stands on the College of Charleston campus at 2 Green Way, beside St. Philip Street, is known as the Martindale-Bell House or the Johnson House. This former residence is significant within the realm of African American…
Randolph Hall
Built 1828-30, Randolph Hall is the signature building of the College of Charleston campus. A National Historic Landmark, the building is one of three historic structures in Cistern Yard, and it appears in the university’s main logo. Randolph Hall,…
Porter's Lodge
Completing the design of Cistern Yard, this symbolic entrance to the College has also housed janitors, student clubs, and faculty offices. Its arches welcome incoming students and community members to campus and usher new graduates out at the end of…