This book celebrates Charleston's distinctive history, culture, and charm. It is a collection of true stories centered on, though not confined to, Broad Street, unquestionably Charleston's most historic thoroughfare.Broad Street was intended to be the site of handsome public buildings, mercantile operations, and prestigious residences, and it has fulfilled that destiny. The street has been used for parades, public gatherings, and state funerals. It has been the scene of riots, duels, and various crimes. A custom house, banks, bars, lawyers, real estate companies, art shops, restaurants, churches, hotels, and other businesses have thrived there. Broad Street has served as the heartbeat of historic Charleston since the city's start on the peninsula in the 1670s.