Marion Square

Marion Square is a ten-acre public park in downtown Charleston with open lawns, mature oak trees, and paved walkways connecting different areas. The space features several monuments and is located at the intersection of Meeting and Calhoun Streets.

The land held military importance in the 1750s when Fort Horn Work was constructed as a defensive position for Charleston during the 1780 siege. The site preserves memories of the city's early military history.

The square serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors come together for markets, festivals, and outdoor events that anchor community life. This active use reflects its role as a social hub in the downtown area.

The park is accessible year-round and offers plenty of space to walk and rest under large trees. Visitors should come on Saturday mornings from April through November to explore the farmers market with fresh produce, crafts, and food.

A sealed cornerstone from 1858 inside the park holds unusual items from the past, including a cannonball, a funeral banner, and a lock of hair from a notable statesman. This hidden time capsule tells a personal story from the mid-1800s.