A truly historic gem on the Charleston's waterfront. Stand by the second-floor window and imagine witnessing the start of the Civil War. Yes, residents of this marvelous home did just that. Take the guided house tour to fully appreciate Charleston and its historic past.
Edmondston-Alston House, Charleston
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Edmondston-Alston House
21 East Battery, Charleston, SC 29401
(Charlestowne)
843-722-7171
Website
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27 visitor photos
Ranked #16 of 91 attractions in Charleston
Type: Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Owner description:
Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House (constructed in 1825 and enhanced in 1838) commands a magnificent view of...
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Owner description:
Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House (constructed in 1825 and enhanced in 1838) commands a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor. From its piazza, General P. T. Beauregard watched the fierce bombardment of Ft. Sumter on April 12, 1861, signaling the start of the Civil War. And on December 11 of the same year, the house gave refuge to General Robert E. Lee the night a wide-spreading fire threatened his safety in a Charleston hotel.Much like the Middleton Place House Museum, the collection at the Edmondston-Alston House Museum consists of pieces that belonged to the family, reflecting not only family history but American history. Despite the ravages of the Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886 and numerous hurricanes, the Alston family pieces remain in place much as they have for over 150 years. Notable in the collection is an original print of the Ordinance of Secession, portraits, dining room table, gas lights, mirror and exquisite interior woodwork.
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Newtown, Connecticut
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See 4 more reviews by Trekkerstwo for Charleston
Greenville, South Carolina
Senior Reviewer
It was hot, so we went to the first house tour we saw. It is a very beautiful home with original furnishings and beautiful antiques. It was neat to hear the family's connection to our hometown of Greenville. The tour guide was friendly and answered any questions that were asked.
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See 2 more reviews by slsbeachgirl for Charleston
Providence, Rhode Island
Contributor
Excellent docents offer an enjoyable tour through this beautiful house. Nice way to spend an hour of your day.
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See 9 more reviews by Anonymous111213 for Charleston
St. Louis
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The historical significance as well as the beauty of the home made this a very worthwhile pick. Our tour guide was well informed and kept our interest.
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See 2 more reviews by PaulHSt_Louis for Charleston
Plano, Texas
2 reviews
Very relaxed and enjoyable tour. Wish we could have seen more of the house but owners live there. Very nicely preserved place with artifacts from the family. Docent spoke too fast and not clearly at times. Seemed to be in a hurry.
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Warren C, Public Relations Manager at Edmondston-Alston House, responded to this review
3 June 2013
Thank you for your review. Despite the third-floor residence, the crux of the historic significance of the Edmondston-Alston House is on full display on the tour, including multiple rooms, and the piazza from which Confederate Gen. Beauregard watched the bombing of Fort Sumter in 1861. And the hundreds of objects visitors see are original to the Alston family.
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Contributor
We enjoyed our tour. Incredible that an ancestor of the Alston family lives on the third floor of the museum!
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See 3 more reviews by PalosVerdesPeninsula for Charleston
Indianapolis, IN
Senior Contributor
Frankly, all of the homes are very interesting. The docent spent a lot of time explaining who had visited, what utensils were used for, furniture styles, etc. This home was very interesting.
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See 9 more reviews by CAnn9 for Charleston
Norfolk, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
Great opportunity to see one of the grand old houses of Charleston, loaded with pieces that were original to the house. It benefits from having been in the same family for many generations even to the present day, with owner in residence on 3rd floor.
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See 5 more reviews by mainecoaster for Charleston
Reviewer
Lovely historical home overlooking Charleston Harbor. Wonderful view. The docent was extremely knowledgeable and able to answer all questions. If you plan to see Middleton Plantation, you can get a package to see both. Viewing this home is a good companion to seeing plantations, as you get an understanding of life in Charleston to compare to life on the plantations....
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Orlando, Florida
Top Contributor
Docent-led tours are informative, and period furnishings take visitors to pre-Civil War opulence. Originally constructed in 1825 in ‘Federal’ architecture by Scottish immigrant Charles Edmondston, the mansion was renovated in 1838 by Charles Alston in Greek Revival style. It commands a view of Charleston Harbor, and General Beauregard saw from the piazza (porch) Fort Sumter bombarded, signaling the Civil War’s...
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See 18 more reviews by DeanMurphy2020 for Charleston
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