return to Historic Markers

Since 1959 the Preservation Society of Charleston has erected over 100 historic markers in Charleston’s Old and Historic District. The program began when the Preservation Society was asked by the Charleston Historical Commission, a city sponsored organization responsible for the marking of important public facilities, to assist in recognizing noteworthy private residences by erecting historic markers. The purpose of the markers was to “inform walking tourists and Charlestonians alike as to the historical background of the city.”

The Preservation Society of Charleston responded to this request by establishing an historic marker program in 1959. The guidelines stated that the marker would be made available to homeowners at cost plus a small donation to the Society. The marker text would be approved by the Preservation Society’s Marker and Awards Committee. The homeowner was required to keep the marker in good repair. One of the first historic markers erected by the Preservation Society was at 27 King Street, the family home of Miss Susan Pringle Frost, the Society’s founder.