Charleston City Hall

Charleston City Hall is a neoclassical building in Charleston, South Carolina, distinguished by white Italian marble trim and a semicircular projection on its northern facade. The ground floor features characteristic round basement windows, while the second floor houses the city council chamber where government meetings still take place.

Architect Gabriel Manigault designed the building in 1801 originally as a branch of the First Bank of the United States. It was converted to City Hall in 1818 and has served as the seat of municipal government since then.

The building sits at an intersection known as Four Corners of Law, where it represents municipal power alongside state, federal, and religious institutions. Visitors can observe this rare arrangement of four structures that symbolize different pillars of society.

The building is easily accessible and located at a central spot in downtown Charleston. The public exterior facade and surrounding plaza are accessible at all times, offering good views of the architecture.

Local carpenters Edward Magrath and Joseph Nicholson built the structure using red brick walls that were later covered with stucco in 1882. This coating transformed the building's appearance and gave it the refined look it displays today.

Location: Charleston

Inception: 1801

Architects: Gabriel Manigault

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

GPS coordinates: 32.77675,-79.93080

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:41