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Charleston Street’s (Cont. - 2)
New Market
Area named for racetrack owned by the Plake family.
New Street
This notable two and one-half story brick house occupies the
site of the Charleston Theatre, which stood on what was known as
Savage's Green. The green lay between creeks, paralleling what are
now New and Savage streets. The high ground was used for a
militia drilling ground and by boys for a playground. The lower
ends of the creeks were marshy at low tide but were favorite
swimming places at hightide. In 1792 the Charleston Theatre,
designed by architect James Hoban (c. 1762-1831) was built here.
Born in Ireland, Hoban studied architectural drawing under
Thomas Ivory (d. 1786). He was in Charleston by 1787, and in 1790
designed the first State House at Columbia. The theatre is the only
Charleston building he is known to have designed. The interior was
quite elaborate, but perhaps for financial reasons, Hoban's plan
was not followed on the exterior, which was described as "an
amorphous barn." Later, a handsome portico was added. In 1794,
as a concession to the climate, air pumps, like those used on
prison ships, were installed. Later, because of a disagreement
between the faculty and trustees of the South Carolina Medical
College, most of the faculty left the College on Queen Street,
purchased the old theatre building and established the rival
Medical College of the State of South Carolina. Eventually, the two
groups had a reconciliation and all returned to the College on
Queen Street. The theatre was demolished in 1850.
Noble Street
Grant to Thomas Noble on January 16, 1694/5. (S.C. Historical
Magazine Volume 9, page 27.)
Old Church Street
Now called Meeting Street after the removal of St. Philip’s from
original site to present Church Street. (McCrady 1719-1776 page
442.) St. Philip’s church was first used on Easter 1723.
Old Rope Walk
A straight way used for twisting rope. Advertised in Charleston
Times October 20, 1801. Wanted immediately at Rope Walk,
Hampstead, from 4 to 6 Negro laborers.
Orange Street
Orange Street was cut along the eastern boundary of the
Orange Garden (a public pleasure garden for concerts etc.) by
Alexander Petrie, who in 1767 divided the land on the West Side of
the street into building lots. Lots on the East Side were taken from
the rear of lots facing on King Street. The Orange Garden, and the
street, was named for the oranges, which were planted there.
Paoli Street
One of streets in original plan of Middlesex as laid out by
Christopher Gadsden, street named to commemorate his political
learnings. (R.M.C.O.- John McCrady plats in Office of County Clerk,
Charleston case number 34)
Parsonage Lane
An Alley leading to "Old Parsonage House." (R.M.C.O. book L6
page 369.)
Payne Street
Now known as Ashley Avenue.
Pearl Street
Established 150 feet south of Pinckney Street or widen to extend
45 feet by City Ordnance along with other provisions for
improvement in this section. (Com. of Orphan House City laws
1833-1840.)
Percy Street
Reverend Percy owned a square here in 1804. (R.M.C.O. Book
D8, page 466.)
Philadelphia Alley
Originally named "Cow Alley" then renamed to "Philadelphia
Street" and later changed to "Philadelphia Alley." Originally named
Kinloch Court but in 1810 changed to Philadelphia by William
Johnson who owned much of the property in the vicinity. He had
been sent to Philadelphia as a prisoner during Revolutionary War
and named the street in admiration of Philadelphia. (Charleston
News and Courier April 29, 1935.) An ordinance in 1811 for
widening and opening Kinloch Court through the block and change
of name. (Commissioner of Orphan House, 1807-1815.)
Pinckney Street
Named after Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Esq. A large property
holder in Colleton Square area and a man who did much for
changing topography of this part of the city. Street also called
Ancum Street interchangeable with Pinckney but the memory of
Pinckney outlasted that of Ancum.
Pitt Street
(Harleston) Named after William Pitt, earl of Chatham. Streets
of Harleston provided for in an act of 1770 according to plan
submitted by the owners. Streets named for noted men of the
period.
Pitt Street
(Middlesex) A street on original plan of Middlesex, a
development of Christopher Gadsden who named the streets to
commemorate his political learning’s. At a later date Pitt gave way
to Laurens. (John McCrady Plats in Office of County Clerk R.M.C.O.
Book 34, A.R.H.S. page 281.)
Poinsette Street
Named after Joel Poinsette, once an ambassador to Mexico.
Poinsette’s Lane or Street
Shown on Crisp’s Survey 1704. Probably so called from the fact
that the house of Peter Poinsette in the period of 1680-1704, was
one of the few most conspicuous houses of early city. Was on S.E.
corner of Church and present Elliott Street. (Shecut sketch number
1.) A reference concerning the thoroughfare under the name of
Callibeauf’s Lane says, "a street laid out by consent of
neighborhood." (R.M.C.O. book E page 220, recorded 1713.)
President Street
Price's Alley
This picturesque narrow street was named for Hopkins Price,
through whose land the alley ran, in the 1780s.
Princess Street
(Swinton’s Lane named for Antitheses perhaps.) See Swintons
Alley
Pritchard Street
Paul Pritchard, who had shipyard adjoining Hobzar Magazine of
the British in Revolutionary times. The John Adams (52 gun ship,
paid for by popular subscription in Charleston and built by Paul
Pritchard and John Darby hid brother in law between 1798-1799.
Public Walk
Throughway St. Philips and Circular Church grave yards first
suggested in Charleston Courier June 18, 1824. Suggested that it
should be first order of walk through graveyard at New Haven. (See
Lady Street.)
Queen Street
This street was one of the original streets of The Grand Modell.
It was first called Dock Street, after a boat dock, which was dug in
the swamp, which formerly existed at the present intersection of
the street with East Bay. Subsequently, it was renamed Queen
Street, for Caroline of Ansbach, the consort of George lI. At its
western end, Queen Street ended at a barricade at the present
intersection with Smith Street until 1849, when it was extended
through the marsh westward to Rutledge Street. At the same time,
Smith Street was extended southward from Beaufain to Queen.
Race Street
Probably from New Market Racecourse. Originally called "Hope
Place" but this changed to Race Street by City Ord. 1903.
Radcliffborough
Thomas Radcliffe developed this area around 1786.
Radcliffe Street
Thomas Radcliffe, who developed Radcliffeborough from his
lands. Plat made by J. Purcell, 1786. Seems to be original laid-out.
(John McCrady Plats R.M.C.O. located in Office of County Clerk,
Charleston book #2 page 38.)
Reid Street
James Reid owned pretentious house in this locality in 1757.
(Advertised in Gazette of April 1, 1757, A.R.H.S. page 357.)
Rhettsbury
Plantation divided into lots and streets named for family
members. (A.R.H.S. page 270.)
Rivers Avenue
John Rivers laid out a private street around 1740. Lot number
142 and one of the lots belonged to John Rivers. He opened a
passage 16 feet wide along their south edge. (A.R.H.S. page 196.)
Romney Street
Named after the "Rumney Distillery." The distillery was the
centerpiece of Aaron Badcock, Nathaniel Russell, and Andrew Lord.
Originally a grant to Hugh Cartwright or Carlerett, 1676. Later in
hands of hon. John Colleton and he called it "Exmouth." Later
called "Bachelors Hall" as property of Thomas Boone Royal
Governor of Province of S.C. (Judge Smith, Charleston Neck, page
17.)
Roper Alley
Property adjacent to Alley owned by Robert Roper in 1788.
(R.M.C.O. book A#6 page 231) Heirs of Robert Roper mentioned in
City Ordinance on December 19, 1801. In 1808 William Roper
conveyed to City Council 2 lots for widening Market Street (R.M.C.O.
Book #7 page 93.) William Roper a signer of early American paper
money owned the Southern War in Revolutionary times. (Johnson’s
Traditions page 194.) Corn Hill plantation (1758) on Charleston
neck conveyed to William Roper and it remained in Roper family 98
years until 1856. (Judge Smith- Charleston Neck- page 48)
Rope Lane
About 100 feet long running a cul-de-sac eastward from Meeting
Street. Originally a straight a way for twisting ropes. Bristol Snetter
made rope in it, hence the name. In 1768, a Thomas Iver’s Rope
Walk in advertisement in South Carolina Gazette on September 30,
1768.
Rose Lane
An indenture of 1779 to John Rose, a piece of land in Colleton
Square in depth to store houses on Rose’s Wharf and bounded on
North on an alley or street "formally laid out by John Rose and now
public. (R.M.C.O. Book C#5 page 36.)
Russell Street
Named after Nathaniel who started extensive developments
venturing around Rumney Distillery.
Rutledge Avenue
Named after John Rutledge, Act of 1770, provided for street of
Harleston according to a plan submitted by owners, streets named
for noted men of period. (A.R.H.S. book P2, page 311.)
Sans Souci Street
Named after Sans Souci Plantation located on Charleston neck.
A part of grant to Joseph Pendarivs in 1672 had this name in
1800’s. (Judge Smith, Charleston Neck, page 20.) Plan of Sans Souci
farm laid out in 1799. (Index book to Plat Book County Clerk Office
page 117.)
Savage Street
Savage Street is named for William Savage, who owned land in
the vicinity before 1789.
Scarborough Street
Continuation of Anson Street located in Ansonborough, from
George to Calhoun. Named after the ship in which Lord George
Anson was long stationed on this coast. (A.R.H.S. page 234-235.)
Seyle Street
A Governor William Seyle laid out Oyster Point in 17th century;
streets of Washington Village named to commemorate names
noted in Revolutionary period.
Shepherd Street
About 1878 "pickpocket" known as Shepherd Wilson’s Farm,
divided into lots and sold out as the property of Mrs. Sophia
Francis Shepherd Marion "Pickpocket" part of Dalton grant.
(Charleston Neck, By Judge Smith, page 19.)
Simons Alley
An early thoroughfare and no doubt began as an entrance to
the Simmons property, as early as 1739. (Pinckney’s Map 1739.)
Simons Street
Henry Simons or Simonds received a warrant dated July 27,
1672 for 150 acres on Charles Town Neck; this allowed him for his
arriving in the first fleet. In 1692 a grant to him of 80 acres, part of
Sans Souci & Magnolia Umbra. (Judge Smith- Charles Town Neck,
page 19.)
Short Street
Located on land of Mazycks’ around Broad Street. Probably land
for street given by family. First dated around 1788 (R.M.C.O. Bower
Book) and Back Street shown as "original street laid out by Mazyck
family." (Index book to plat book in Office of County Clerks, page
39, map number 3.) See also Mazyck street on Pinckney map, 1739.
Smith Lane
Eber Josiah Smith, who before 1770 filled up the marsh which,
extended up between the West Side of Meeting Street and King
Street nearly to Smith’s Lane. (A.R.H.S. page 177)
Smith Street
Benjamin Smith the speaker. About 1775, the General Assembly
had just directed the laying out of lands west of Glebe lands (north
of Beaufain and of Coming Streets) which gave them names of
actors in the great struggle which had then begun. (McCrady 1719-
1776, page 398.)
Society Street
Society Street is named for the South Carolina Society which
bought property along the street in 1759. Part of the street was
originally named Centurian Street in honor of one of Lord Anson's
ships.
South Battery
The street now called South Battery originally was a narrow
street, running between Church Street Continued and Meeting
Street, behind Broughton's Bastion. Known as Fort Street, it was
depicted on the "Iconography" of 1739. Fort Street was later
extended to connect with a road behind the Fortifications, which
became the High Battery. Still later, when William Gibbes and
others cooperated to fill marshes along the Ashley River and
constructed wharves and houses, a street running from Meeting
Street to the Ashley River was created and called South Bay. It
ended in a breakwater approximately where Lenwood Boulevard is
today. After 1830, when the land east of King Street and south of
South Bay was developed into White Point Garden, the park
became generally known as The Battery, Fort Street was
eliminated, and the street from East Battery to King Street became
South Battery. West of King Street, the old name of South Bay
continued to be used until after the creation of Murray Boulevard
(1911-15). Now the name South Battery is applied for the full
length of the street from East Battery to Tradd Street.
Squirrel Street
Plan for street on Hunter’s Plat, 1746, original plans of
Ansonborough and named for Captain Anson’s 2nd ship.
State Street
State Street was formerly called Union Street, to celebrate the
union of England and Scotland in 1707. The named was changed to
State Street in 1812.
Stoll’s Alley
A private Alley dated from 1762, along side a lot owned by
Justinous Stoll. The property had a 55 foot wide creek on one side
of the lot. This Vanderhorst Creek was filled in around 1788.
(Petrie’s Map R.M.C.O. A3 page 371.)
Swinton’s Street
Or Alley. An alley on property of Swinton property before 1824.
(R.M.C.O. Y7 page 116.) Charleston Courier "Backward glances May
4, 1831.)
Tobacco Street
Named after Tobacco inspection sheds located along this street.
Provided for by Commissioners who set up tobacco inspection in
Charleston. These appointed by state. Shown on plan of 1801.
(A.H.R.S. page 301.) Index book to plat book in Office of City
Engineers, page 85, Map Number 2.)
Tradd Street
Tradition says Tradd Street was named for Robert Tradd who
supposedly was the first child of European descent born in the
Province. It is more likely that it was named for his father, Richard
Tradd, who by 1679 was living at the northeast corner of present-
day Tradd and East Bay. Early deeds refer to "the little street that
runs from Cooper River past Mr. Tradd's house."
Trott Street
Named after Chief Justice Nicholas Trott who married the widow
of Col. William Rhett to whom Rhettsbury was granted in 1714.
Rhett’s two great granddaughters divided the plantation between
them and in laying out the land into building lots and streets with
the names attached to them of family members. (A.H.R.S. page
270.) (R.M.C.O. L6 page 491.)
Union Street
(State Street) Shown on Crisp’s Survey of 1704 and named in
commemoration of the union of England and Scotland which took
place in 1707. (A.R.H.S. page 38 and foot note.) In 1741 described
from about present Chalmers northward as "street or lane" leading
from Colonel Miles Brewton’s saw Pitt to the Broad Street now
called Union Street. (R.M.C.O. V page 415.)
Unity Alley
A street laid out by consent from Bay to Union Street. (R.M.C.O.
V page 415) An indenture of 1725 describes it as "the 5 foot of land,
parcel, likewise of said lot (#17 of Modell and premises but left for
an alley or passage with other 5 foot of land late of Mr. Amory but
now of Mr. Allen." (R.M.C.O. E page 364.)
Wall Street
Wall Street is said to have been named for a brick wall following
the line of Anson & Scarborough streets, but east of these. The
wall, according to this tradition, marked the boundary between
Ansonborough and Middlesex.
Warren Street
Sir Peter Warren was a British Admiral (like Lord Anson) was
stationed at Charles Town as a young man and purchased lands in
vicinity of present Warren Street. (McCrady Map 1719-1776 page
535.)
Washington Square
Named by City Ordinance of 1881. Land purchased in 1818 by
City Council was Old Beef Market, widen the Alleys at North,
opened out Chalmers Street and laid out the City Square on
present lines. (A.R.H.S. page 260-264.)
Water Street
Water Street follows the course of Vanderhorst Creek, the
waterway down which William, Lord Campbell, the last Royal
Governor of South Carolina, slipped in his flight from the Rebel
City.
Wentworth Street
Wentworth Street originally had two names. The East End, in
Rhettsbury, was called Trott Street, after Judge Nicholas Trott. The
western and longest portion was named for Charles Watson
Wentworth, Marquess of Rockingham, who with William Pitt had
been responsible for the repeal of the Stamp Act. It was one of the
streets of Harleston.
Wharf Street
Original Street in plan of Middlesex as laid out by General
Gadsden. (Case #34-John McCrady Plats in Office of County Clerk,
Charleston R.M.C.O)
Wilkes Street
On early plan of Middlesex laid out by General Gadsden. Streets
named to commemorate his political learning’s, (A.R.H.S. page 311.)
William Street
After William Farm on Charles Town Neck. Originally a part of
grant to Samuel West, conveyed in 1784, from Henry Timrod
(father of the poet) to Dr. George Hahnbaum and Jacob William.
(Judge Smith, Charleston Neck, page 30.)
Wragg Square
Wragg Square, also known as Wragg Place, extends along the
north side of Wragg Hall, a one-acre park or open space given to
the public by the Wragg family in 1801. For a time in the late 19th
century, the park was also called Aiken Park, for Gov. William Aiken,
whose house is at the East End.