Hibernian Hall, Charleston
Despite the challenges posed by the Civil War, multiple fires, and the devastating earthquake of 1886, many of Charleston's historic buildings have survived. Among them is the Hibernian Hall, a grand piece of Greek Revival architecture with imposing white columns, designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973. It was originally designed for the Irish Hibernian Society, known for organizing the first Saint Patrick's Day parades in the United States.
Most important, however, is the hall's historic association with the 1860 Charleston Convention, in which the Democratic Party, divided by opinions on slavery, failed to select a presidential nominee and thus ensured victory for the anti-slavery Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln, in the presidential election that year.
Having served as a venue for countless debutante balls hosted by the Hibernian Society, today the building is often used for wedding receptions. Its three-story rotunda, complete with dual staircases leading to the ballroom, provides an elegant setting for bridal parties to make a grand entrance, often accompanied by the stirring sounds of a bagpiper — a cherished Hibernian tradition.
Most important, however, is the hall's historic association with the 1860 Charleston Convention, in which the Democratic Party, divided by opinions on slavery, failed to select a presidential nominee and thus ensured victory for the anti-slavery Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln, in the presidential election that year.
Having served as a venue for countless debutante balls hosted by the Hibernian Society, today the building is often used for wedding receptions. Its three-story rotunda, complete with dual staircases leading to the ballroom, provides an elegant setting for bridal parties to make a grand entrance, often accompanied by the stirring sounds of a bagpiper — a cherished Hibernian tradition.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Hibernian Hall on Map
Sight Name: Hibernian Hall
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Charleston, South Carolina
Create Your Own Walk in Charleston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Charleston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
French Quarter Walking Tour
A historic district in downtown Charleston, The French Quarter is named so for the high concentration of French merchants that once lived in the area and left their mark on it. The name was coined in 1973, when preservation efforts began for warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block. That same year the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The busy neighbourhood... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The busy neighbourhood... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Harleston Village Walking Tour
Founded in the 18th century, the historic Harleston Village is a charming neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina. The rich past and vibrant present of this area make it a popular destination for tourists.
At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Downtown Historical Churches Tour
Charleston, South Carolina, is also sometimes called the “Holy City.” This is due to the large number of churches found here. Needless to say, the most fascinating of them are concentrated in the Downtown area, each with its unique charm and significance.
Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Historical Houses Tour
Charleston is steeped in history. Walking the colorful, narrow cobblestone streets of one of America's oldest towns, with its stunningly preserved colonial homes, you can see its story play out before your eyes practically everywhere you turn. Indeed, Charleston is among the most celebrated places in the U.S. to explore fine examples of American architecture and its progression through time.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Charleston Introduction Walking Tour
A popular tourist destination and a major port city in South Carolina, Charleston is fit to impress anyone with its Southern charm, friendliness, and rich history. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England, this was the first comprehensively planned town in America.
The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles