Well, we packed the bags, loaded the car, got the maps and hit the road. We drove 750 miles to the Bay Area for Christmas with my daughter’s family. After a great holiday we looked at each other and said, “What the Hell are we thinking?” There was rain in Southern California, snow and sleet in Texas and freezing rain in the Southeast.

After much soul searching we opted to fly instead of driving. Although we miss Emma, we are certain that we made the right decision.

Charleston is a great city. The historical district is fabulous. We’ve just completed the 9 site museum tour.

87 East Bay St.

99 – 101 East Bay St.

Broad St. Shutters

The Belvedere Rutledge St. Charleston, SC.

Manigault House

Middleton Plantation

Middleton Plantation

Middleton Plantation

Drayton Hall Plantation

Drayton Hall Plantation

It’s very unnerving to realize that all this wealth was built on the backs of enslaved people. The Alken-Rhett House alone had 31 slaves to maintain a house for two adults and three children. They did all the physical labor. Those with specific skills were rented out to neighbors and associates for extra income. We tend to think of slavery as a short lived chapter in our history. In fact, slavery existed on the North American continent for over two centuries!

Aiken-Rhett House Slave Quarters – Interior

Slaves lived in small rooms above the kitchens and stables.

Aiken-Rhett House Slave Quarters – Interior

Alken-Rhett House Slave Quarters – Exterior

On summer evenings porches are a way of life.

Broad Street

Broad Street