This town is an ongoing history lesson.
The Bank of the United States was established in 1791 to serve as a repository for federal funds and as the government’s fiscal agent. The first building was in Philadelphia, still the capital of the US.
The Charleston building was one of eight used to conduct government business. Of course other banks had opened, felt there were too many British share holders, unfair competition, and the charter was not renewed in 1811. The War of 1812 came along, the bank still had British share holders, things went down hill from there even though it still operated for many years.
Now the building is the Charleston City Hall. As much a museum as a place of town government. Absolutely everything is about history here.
If you visit Charleston take note; public restrooms on the first floor.
Much of the first floor, and lobby here is kept like the original Bank.
There are no signs to let passing tourists know what is inside, and how they are welcome, encouraged, to come in and look around.
Beautiful light b&w tonality on the building facade composition!
Thank you. That’s about the only spot to photograph the building without cars or people. It’s called the 4Corners since each street corner has a different legal or government building. Very busy spot. Also an amazing building.