Inside The Charleston Council Chambers

Inside The Charleston Council Chambers

I have previously published an image from the chamber, these are a bit more detailed in this historical time capsule.

Inside The Charleston Council Chambers
Inside The Charleston Council Chambers

These meeting rooms and offices are located on the second floor of what was the (click to open)  Bank Of The United States. The only government chambers older is in New York City.

An original portrait of Andrew Jackson, 7th US President and South Carolina native, stands over the main meeting room. Jackson is famous and infamous. He was a triumphant general in New Orleans during the 1812 war, also served in the US congress, kept South Carolina from leaving the union, was a large slave holder, and caused the relocation and death of many native american tribes. Click here for a long list of, well let’s say details, of Andrew Jackson.

Inside The Charleston Council Chambers
Inside The Charleston Council Chambers
Inside The Charleston Council Chambers
Inside The Charleston Council Chambers

The walls and upper gallery are filled with portraits of well known South Carolinian’s. The paintings date back to the Revolutionary War era  up until the current mayor of Charleston (who recently performed with the Pink Martini orchestra out of Portland, OR.).

Inside The Charleston Council Chambers
Inside The Charleston Council Chambers

A back meeting room is just as impressive as the chamber. Again portraits by many of the famous early american painters such as John Trumbull. One of the walls has the most famous Trumbull portrait, George Washington.  And of course Washington was here, but somehow the man was everywhere in the US at some point.

Inside The Charleston Council Chambers
Inside The Charleston Council Chambers

Above is the view as seen by anyone addressing the Charleston Council. In a previous life I did address groups, in (perhaps) prestigious locations, but really… look at this place. Talk about home court advantage!

Inside The Charleston Council Chambers
Inside The Charleston Council Chambers

All I can say in closing is, if ever in Charleston just walk into City Hall. They will be happy to let you visit. Gotta love this town.

Leave a Reply