Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1670 by English colonists, it was one of the most prominent cities in the American South until the Civil War. Today, its cobblestone streets, antebellum-style houses, and waterfront lend it an Old World charm and serve as a constant reminder of the history that Charleston has witnessed. Visitors can stay in a luxurious boutique hotel or a B&B located in a historical house or mansion during their stay and spend their days in Charleston strolling along the Battery Promenade, touring Fort Sumter, or experiencing history at one of the old estates in the city.