Located on the west side of East Bay Street right across from The Battery, Rainbow Row is one of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks. On any given day, you can see tourists and locals alike marveling at these colorful historic houses.
The colorful houses on this row date back to the 1700s. Originally, they housed merchants who ran their shops on the ground floor and lived in the upper floors. A fantastic article to read.
The History
Located on East Bay Street in the Battery, Rainbow Row is one of Charleston’s most iconic + photographed locations. The area features more than a dozen colorful historic homes, known for their pastel colors and unique architectural styles.
The story behind Rainbow Row begins in the 1740s when Charleston was a thriving port city. During this time, shops and merchants operated businesses on the first floors of these homes, with their families living on upper floors.
After the Civil War, this area of town became a neglected slum. In 1920, preservationist Susan Pringle Frost stepped in and bought six of the houses to restore them to their former glory.
She also decided to paint the buildings in a colonial Caribbean color scheme. Other owners followed suit, creating the colorful cluster of historic homes that we know as Rainbow Row today.
The Colors
Located along East Bay Street in Charleston, Rainbow Row is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the Lowcountry. The 13 houses that line the street are brightly painted and reminiscent of colonial Caribbean architecture.
The row was originally built in the 18th century as commercial stores on the ground floor with living quarters above. After the Civil War, these homes were largely left to ruin.
However, in 1931, Dorothy Haskell Porcher Legge purchased a neighboring section of these homes and began painting them in a pastel pink color scheme to mimic the colors of colonial Caribbean buildings. The color choice quickly caught on and other residents followed suit.
The colors of Rainbow Row are often thought to have been selected by merchants, who believed that the color schemes could indicate what types of items they sold in their stores. Another theory suggests that the various shades were chosen so that drunk sailors, who arrived at Charleston’s harbor, could more easily find their way home. Discover more exciting places here.
The Location
In Charleston, South Carolina, you’ll find a series of colorful historic homes that are part of what is known as Rainbow Row. This iconic stretch of architecture is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and a must-see for any visitor.
Located along East Bay Street, these houses were originally used as shops and businesses on the lower level while living quarters were on the upper floor. These homes became extremely dilapidated after the Civil War, and many were abandoned.
Then in 1931, a Charleston preservationist named Dorothy Porcher Legge purchased a section of these homes – 99 through 101 East Bay Street – and began to restore them. To brighten the area and pay homage to Charleston’s colonial Caribbean heritage, she painted them in pastel pink.
Like most historical landmarks in Charleston, the colorful buildings of Rainbow Row have a fascinating history. Some of the best ways to learn about them are through tours. These guides can be booked online or through tour companies in the city.
The Best Time to Visit
Whether you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy shot or a historical experience, Rainbow Row Charleston SC is one of the city’s best attractions. The colorful Georgian row houses are a must-see and easily recognizable on any walking tour or carriage ride in the historic district.
While the homes were once commercial buildings, they’ve been converted into private residences today. For the best views and the fewest crowds, head here around sunset.
You’ll find Rainbow Row at 79-107 East Bay Street between Elliot and Tradd streets. They’re just one block from Waterfront Park, which makes them easy to reach from all over downtown.
Spring (March to May) is the most popular time to visit Charleston. The weather is pleasant, though not quite as hot and humid as summer. Also, Hurricane season doesn’t hit during this period, so you can avoid the risk of dangerous storms. Browse next article.
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