Source: City of Charleston BRIEF HISTORY - Founded and settled by English colonists in 1670. Charleston grew from a colonial seaport to a wealthy city by the mid-eighteenth century. Through the mid-nineteenth century, Charleston prospered from cultivation of rice, cotton, indigo and its port activities. In April of 1861, Confederate soldiers fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, thus signaling the beginning of a devastating war. Charleston was slow to recover from the events of the War Between the States; but its pace of recovery became the foundation of the City's greatest assets. Short on capital through the mid-twentieth century, Charleston hung on to its vast inventory of buildings, using and reusing them instead of replacing them with newer structures. After the war, the City gradually lessened its dependence on agriculture and rebuilt its economy through trade and industry. Construction of the Navy Yard in 1904, just north of the City's boundaries, pushed Charleston vigorously into the twentieth century. During the first few decades of the 1900's, industrial and port activities increased dramatically. Later the major sources of capital came from the U.S. Naval Base, the medical complex, the College of Charleston and growing tourism. CULTURE AND THE ARTS - Throughout its history, Charleston has stood as a cultural capital of the South. The performing arts are well represented here with a symphony orchestra, community theater groups and several local ballet companies performing regularly. The Gibbes Museum of Art and numerous art galleries, along with the abundant examples of architectural excellence and craftsmanship, expose residents and tourists to the visual arts. The Charleston Museum, the oldest museum in North America, offers a captivating collection of artifacts depicting Lowcountry life from the time of the first settlers through the twentieth century. Each spring, Charleston hosts Spoleto Festival U.S.A., the most comprehensive arts festival in the country. For two and one-half weeks, the world's finest dancers, musicians and actors take to the stage in a spirited homage to the arts culminating in a in a splendid finale at Middleton Plantation - complete with symphonic fanfare and fireworks. Simultaneous with Spoleto, the City's Office of Cultural Affairs offers a highly evolved and sophisticated fringe festival, Piccolo Spoleto, which showcases the best of regional talent. Informal, affordable and often a little zany and off-beat, the typical Piccolo program includes sidewalk art shows, jazz, classical music, film, crafts, theater, dance and much more, including a long list of daily arts activities for children. Piccolo's tickets average $5.00 but many events are free. Other cultural events bringing visitors from afar are the annual Moja African-American Arts Festival, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Worldfest Charleston International Film Festival, and biannual House and Garden Tours. Other events which attract visitors are the Harvest Festival at the Charleston Farmers Market, the Christmas Parade of Boats in Charleston Harbor and the Christmas in Charleston Celebration on King Street. RECREATION - As in other coastal cities, recreation in Charleston centers around water. Tennis and golf are popular, too and the mild climate makes them year-round sports. The City operates a municipal golf course and 40 tennis courts. The City's numerous parks and scenic, tree-lined streets provide ample space and a beautiful backdrop for walking, jogging and cycling. The annual Cooper River Bridge Run, attracting over 25,000 participants, is one of the most popular road races in the Southeast. The City's Waterfront Park, deemed "this generation's gift to the future" by Mayor Riley, is a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Hosts of private and County facilities round out the City's extensive inventory of recreational facilities. Historic Charleston Firsts: The first rice planted in the U.S. was grown near Charleston in the 1690's. The world's first successful submarine attack occurred in 1864 when the Confederate sub Hunley sank the Housatonic. The first science museum in the country was founded in Charleston in 1735. The Gazette was the South's first newspaper, established in 1732 in Charleston. The South's oldest library was established in Charleston in 1748. The Dock Street Theatre was the first building constructed for theatrical productions in the nation (opened in 1735). The Charleston Trident Chamber of Commerce was organized in 1773, making it the oldest in the nation. The country's first regularly scheduled passenger train left Charleston in 1830. When the line was completed in Hamburg, SC it was the world's longest. The Civil War began in Charleston when Confederate soldiers at Fort Johnson fired the first shot at Union troops at Fort Sumter. America's first scientific weather observations were conducted by Dr. John Lining at his home in Charleston in 1737. (Provided by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce)