Planters Hotel, Charleston SC, 1736 Architectural History

This vintage image features the Planters Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina, a significant structure dating back to 1736. Originally the site of America’s first planned theater, the building fell into disrepair shortly after 1800. The Planters Hotel was constructed around the remnants of the theater, merging historical elements with new architecture.

The hotel reflects Charleston’s rich architectural heritage, capturing the essence of the city’s colonial past. Notable features include intricate ironwork and prominent doorways, typical of the regions design. The image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, which documents significant southern architecture.

Taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, an influential photographer, this image is part of the Library of Congress collection. It serves as an educational resource, offering insight into Charleston’s architectural evolution and the historical context of the early 20th century.