Planters Hotel, Charleston SC, Historic Image 1736

This vintage photograph captures the Planters Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina, a structure with deep historical roots dating back to 1736. Originally the site of the first planned theater in America, the building underwent significant changes in the early 1800s, eventually being repurposed into the hotel we see today. The hotel was constructed around the remains of the theater, integrating its historic architecture into the new design.

Frances Benjamin Johnston, an influential photographer known for her work in documenting American architecture, provides this image as part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South. Her contributions have helped preserve the historical significance of Southern structures, including the intricate details of the Planters Hotel, such as its doors, moldings, and ornamental medallions.

This photograph serves as a tangible connection to Charlestons architectural legacy, highlighting the blend of history and culture that defines this vibrant city. KNOWOLs historic images connect the rich stories and imagery of our past. A statement in any room, each is printed on museum-quality paper using a restored version of the original.