Planters Hotel, Charleston SC, Historic Photo 1900s

This vintage photograph, captured by Frances Benjamin Johnston, features the Planters Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. The building, constructed around the remains of a theater dating back to 1736, represents a significant part of the city’s architectural history. The hotel, which emerged shortly after the theater fell into ruin, served as a prominent establishment in the region, showcasing the evolution of Charlestons cultural landscape.

The Planters Hotel is notable for its historical significance as the first planned theater in America. Its transformation from a theater to a hotel illustrates the adaptive reuse of structures in Charleston, a city known for its rich heritage and southern charm. This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a collection that documents the architectural styles and significance of the region.

Frances Benjamin Johnstons work in the early 20th century has provided invaluable insights into American architecture. The meticulous documentation of buildings like the Planters Hotel continues to inspire interest in Charlestons historical narrative.

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.