TELLBY
English
Rainbow RowHeritagePhoto Wikimedia Commons

Rainbow Row

South Carolina · United States

8 story sections

The longest Pre-Revolutionary structure in America is one of Charleston's most iconic historical sites. These 18th century homes are painted in a variety of colors thus the name, "Rainbow Row."

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to East Bay Street, home to one of the most iconic and highly photographed architectural ensembles in the American South: Rainbow Row. As we begin our analytical stroll along this picturesque block, it is essential to…

    Listen in the app
  2. 2The Commercial Origins

    Let us examine the architectural footprint of these structures to understand their original utility. In the late seventeen hundreds, the Cooper River came much closer to this street than it does today. …

    Listen in the app
  3. 3The Era of Decline

    As we move further along the row, we must jump forward in time to analyze the period of devastating urban decay that consumed this block. Following the catastrophic conclusion of the American Civil War in eighteen sixty five, the…

    Listen in the app
  4. 4Dorothy Porcher Legg and the Renaissance

    We now arrive at the structures addressed as numbers ninety nine through one hundred and one East Bay Street, the very epicenter of the street's aesthetic renaissance. In nineteen thirty one, a pivotal moment occurred in the…

    Listen in the app
  5. 5The Ripple Effect of Preservation

    The bold aesthetic statement made by Dorothy Pore-cher Legg did not remain isolated. Observing the extraordinary transformation of her property, other wealthy individuals and preservation minded citizens began to purchase the…

    Listen in the app
  6. 6Architectural Details and Photography Tips

    As you prepare to capture the inevitable photographs of this location, it is academically enriching to analyze the specific architectural details that make these buildings so compelling. Look closely at the entryways. …

    Listen in the app
  7. 7The Hidden Alleys: Tradd and Elliot

    Before we depart from the immediate vicinity of Rainbow Row, it is highly recommended to explore the subtle, hidden geographies that intersect this famous block. Pay particular attention to the intersections at Tradd Street and…

    Listen in the app
  8. 8Closing

    As we conclude our analytical journey along Rainbow Row, it is vital to reflect on the profound transformation this space has undergone. From its genesis as a bustling, utilitarian merchant hub deeply connected to the…

    Listen in the app

What is Rainbow Row?

Rainbow Row is a place in South Carolina · United States with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationSouth Carolina · United States
TypeHeritage
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates32.7754, -79.9273
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
Listen in the app