Description

The oldest higher educational institution in South Carolina, the College of Charleston was established in 1770 by a notable group of scholars that included several Founding Fathers and three signers of the Declaration of Independence. The school has always played an important role in the Charleston community; most notably in 1836 when it was the first institution in the country to become a municipal school, after the city took responsibility for its financial support. Although the buildings on campus have faced considerable challenges (several hurricanes and the Civil War), there are many beautiful historical structures still standing on this popular, verdant campus. Primarily focused on liberal arts, the College of Charleston remains a respected scholastic institution to this day.