Discover Charleston in edifying, entertaining video tour with 9th-generation South Carolinian and Charleston native Michael Trouche.

Charleston is virtually surrounded by ocean, rivers and creeks, all of which have played important roles in the city's history. Among the water wonders was the world's first successul submarine, The Hunley, as well as monuments to marine manipulation in the form of harbor jetties, colonial canals, and hydro-electric dams and locks.

Charleston has a diversity of dialects whose memorable melting pot has been simmering for centuries into a way of speech unlike what most who visit expect. The influence of the Scottish brogue, the English lilt, and the colorful West African words of Gullah is unlike anywhere in America. And along with the vocal, a famous dance came from locals, known of course as The Charleston

Charleston has long been known for interesting architecture, including some unique construction techniques that catch bad guys, falling walls and breezes as well as the eye. The famed Single House design, the spiked iron Chevaux-de-Frise, and the particularly unusual Earthquake Plates add to the visible varities of the city's fabric.

With its grand harbor overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Charleston has always been a seafaring city. Since the days of wooden ships, through the ironclads of the Civil War, and into the modern era of steel and stealthy vessels, Charleston boat builders have made significant contributions in both commerical and mililtary ships.

Charleston was the first successful British colony in America's Deep South, whose established success was aided greatly by the contributions of certain individuals largely unrecognized in history.

Charleston dates back to 1670, and is a city built on a narrow peninsula filled with graveyards and creaking historic houses. So ghosts stories are many in a place hallowed for its haunts.

Near Charleston on the South Carolina Coast is the Cape Romain National Wildife Refuge, where  windswept uninhabitated marsh island and seashore comes alive with hatching creatures. These include such threatened species as the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, as well as new waves of pelicans, herons, and terns.

Charleston's early history was largely shaped from colonial technology driven by its wealth of wind and water. And the skyline around the historic city was once silhouetted with windmills.

Charleston history is a turbulent, truculent tale of many battles on land and sea. Besides the famous Fort Sumter, the remnants of city defenses still stand in fortress form as a reminder of centuries of battle.