Civil War Museum at Market Hall, Charleston

Designed in the dignified Greek Revival style and currently restored to its original grandeur, the Market Hall building was renowned for its exceptional architectural quality when it was constructed in the 1840s. Modeled after the Temple of the Wingless Victory in Athens, Greece, this structure features a single elevated story resting upon a rusticated open ground-level arcade. Its portico contains four Roman-style Doric columns supporting the pediment and can be accessed via a double flight of stairs with intricate ironwork.

In a way, the building continues to fulfill its original purpose by serving as the front entrance to the adjoining six blocks of covered market space where a variety of fruits, meats, vegetables, and fish were historically sold. However, in 1899, the United Daughters of the Confederacy repurposed the Hall's second floor to establish a museum showcasing Confederate artifacts and other memorabilia from Charleston's Civil War era. While it may not rival the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia, this museum presents a remarkable collection of intriguing relics. Among the exhibits are cannons, uniforms, battle flags, swords, sabres, muskets, and even South Carolina's secession flag. Given the abundance of fascinating items on display, the nominal admission fee is well worth it.

Tip:
Don't forget to peruse the newspapers on display, as they provide a unique perspective on the Civil War.