South of Broad in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
83-107 East Bay Street Rainbow Row
Over the years, the buildings served as the shops and residences of notable merchants and planters, and fronted a cluster of wharves on the Cooper River waterfront. The buildings also fronted a segment of the eastern boundary of the fortification wall constructed circa 1704 to surround the city. Some of the houses were damaged or destroyed by fire, and the present structures date from circa 1720 to circa 1790. The homes suffered slight damage by Union artillery bombardment during the War between the States.
After the war and decades of neglect, the buildings deteriorated into slums. Susan Pringle Frost, founder of the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings, now the Preservation Society of Charleston, began her important preservation and rehabilitation efforts by purchasing some of these properties in the 1920s in order to prevent their demolition. The name Rainbow Row was coined after the pastel colors they were painted as they were restored in the 1930s and 1940s. The rear facades and gardens of 93-101 East Bay were also used as a model for the original 1935 stage setting of George Gershwin and DuBose Heyward’s opera, “Porgy and Bess.”
Erected by Preservation Society of Charleston.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the South Carolina, Preservation Society of Charleston series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1680.
Location. 32° 46.547′ N, 79° 55.633′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in South of Broad. Marker is on East Bay Street (U.S. 52), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 93 East Bay Street, Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Col. Othneil Beale's House (within shouting distance of this marker); 90 East Bay Street Ancrum Wharf Building (within shouting distance of this marker); As Old as Charleston (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Tavern (about 300 feet away); William Mills Tenement (about 300 feet away); The John Fabre Jr. House (about 300 feet away); Walker, Evans & Cogswell Company (about 300 feet away); 8-10 Tradd Street (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,034 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 19, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.