Charleston City Hall

Charleston City Hall is a government building with white marble trim and stucco-covered walls, featuring grand Neoclassical columns on its facade. The first floor contains administrative offices while the second floor houses an active council chamber where city government meetings take place.

The building was constructed between 1800 and 1804, initially serving as a branch of the First Bank of the United States before converting to city government offices in 1818. This shift reflects how Charleston's needs changed from banking functions to municipal administration over those early years.

This building anchors the Four Corners of Law district, where different legal institutions stand together in downtown Charleston. The area shows how the city organized its courts, government, and religious institutions within walking distance of each other.

The building sits in central Charleston and is easily accessible on foot from other historic sites nearby. Public access can vary depending on government meetings and sessions, so checking ahead on visiting hours is worth your time.

Hidden beneath the stucco applied during an 1882 renovation lie the original red brick walls from the building's construction around 1800. This concealed layer reveals how the structure's appearance was deliberately transformed over time.

Location: Charleston

Architects: H. Rus Warne

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.35060,-81.63890

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05