Historic Planters Hotel, Charleston SC, 1736 Photograph

This vintage photograph, captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston, showcases the historic Planters Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. The building dates back to 1736 and is significant for being the first planned theater in America. After falling into ruin shortly after 1800, it was repurposed into the hotel, which stands as a testament to Charlestons rich architectural history.

The image features intricate details, including doors and doorways, fanlights, and moldings, illustrating the craftsmanship of the era. The hotel, located in Charleston County, reflects the citys colonial heritage and its evolution over the centuries.

This photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a project that documented the regions architectural heritage. Acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953, it serves as a valuable record of a bygone era in American history, preserving the essence of Charlestons architectural narrative.