In the Footsteps of Washington Walking Tour

Charleston was the longest stop of President George Washington’s tour of the Southern states in the spring and summer of 1791. The nation’s first president, still in his first term in office, spent a week here in early May of that year taking in the sights, attending functions and coming face-to-face with the people of South Carolina in an age before mass communication.

Join Curator of History Chad Stewart for a walking tour retracing the footsteps of George Washington, visiting sites associated with his visit to the Lowcountry. Tour participants will visit the Heyward Washington House, Washington’s home base during his visit, where a sample of objects from the Museum’s collection related to his visit will be on display in the Drawing Room.

The group will tour St. Michael’s Church to see where he worshiped in pew number 43, before taking a guided tour of the church’s iconic steeple to view Charleston from above just as Washington did, taking in a “view of the city, harbor, rivers and the adjacent country, with which he was much pleased.”

Crossing Broad Street we will discuss the Exchange visible in the distance before our last stop, Charleston City Hall where guests will view the portrait of Washington by John Trumbull commissioned by the City to commemorate his visit.

Participants in this special access tour should be prepared for a strenuous climb, navigating tight spaces and narrow staircase. The steeple climb will require participants to complete an insurance waiver for St. Michael’s church prior to participation. Please dress comfortable and minimize excess baggage/belongings.

Space is limited. Reservations required. Cost is $40 for museum members; $55 for non-members.

Register online or call (843) 722-2996 ext. 235.