Charles Town Landing

The site that I chose to go visit is Charles Towne Landing. This site is made to commemorate the place where the Europeans first landed in South Carolina in 1670. Being there felt like a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of city life. When one reaches the far side of the property, the downtown area, West Ashley, I-26, and the Ravenel bridge are clearly visible over the water. Despite being in a widely populated area and only about ten minutes from downtown Charleston, the site makes one feel like they stepped back in time. The entrance is lined with flowering trees and open ponds that are home to much wildlife. Within the site is found a great many different structures, animals, and historical artifacts aimed at teaching visitors about life back when people first arrived in Charleston, the system of slavery and the effects it had on the area, the relevance of the Native American peoples, and war and fighting techniques. At Charles town landing I was able to experience the old time-y feel of being on a plantation and walking up under the oaks towards the main house. Also I got to see where the slave graveyard was located and really acknowledge that much of the structural work of the location is thanks to the hard work of formerly enslaved African Americans who helped build, maintain, and uphold the place.

The owners of the plantation nowadays make a conscious effort to recognize the peoples that once lived there, and not just the relevance of the oversees settlers. Before moving to the Downtown Charleston area, formerly known as Oyster Point, the English settlers resided on Charles Town Landing. When they arrived though, they were not alone, a Native American tribe already lived there, and they offered a peace agreement to the settlers. There is a large pole that is about 20 feet tall, now located on Charles Town Landing called, “The Landing Brave”, that not only only represents the Natives, but also their culture. Carved into the pole itself is the image of a former Native American Chief. This pole is placed at the entrance to the mini zoo/ animal exhibition, and because the animals are a popular stop, the pole is assured its deserved recognition as people take a moment to take it in and appreciate its beauty.

The vast beauty of the site, and the fact that there is importance placed not just on one aspect of early southern life, but many different parts of it, make this site worthy enough to visit. It really is a great representation of the south considering it was the first stop for old world travelers to this state, and there is so much to learn about trading routes, African Americans, and the economy here from that time as well.

One of the parts of the site that I enjoyed the most was where there was a boat located that is intended to replicate the vessels used for trade and transportation in the Charleston area at that time. When I arrived to that part, there was even a guide waiting there for us ready and able to offer any information that we wanted to inquire about along with a sign that details trading in the area and its importance.

I believe that because the site makes a great attempt to acknowledge and represent all the peoples and aspects that were present there, that it is complete and truthful. Unlike other historic sites in the area, this place did not attempt to hide ugly truths behind beautiful scenery, instead they looked to appreciate and give recognition to all the various aspects and people that contributed to what the place is today. The site, in my opinion, challenged common stereotypes about the south and how we have always chosen to more greatly honor the white population and push the minority communities to the side.  This adds to my understanding of the 21st century south because it proves that we are making moves to be more accepting and beginning the much needed attempt to make amends for all the wrongdoings of the past.

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