Famous Visitors Who Arrived in Charleston by Sea

Charleston has always been a city shaped by its harbor. For over 300 years, ships have carried presidents, pirates, royalty, and sailors into its waters. Some came in celebration. Others brought trouble. All left stories behind. Here are a few of the most unforgettable arrivals.

In 1791, President George Washington came to Charleston during a tour of the southern states. He crossed the harbor in a barge decorated with red, white, and blue bunting, rowed by a team of local pilots. It was a warm spring day, and the city had been preparing for weeks.

The moment he stepped onto South Adger’s Wharf, the crowd erupted. Church bells rang. Cannons boomed. People cheered from rooftops and packed into the streets for a glimpse. Washington stayed a full week. He attended dinners, reviewed troops, visited churches, and toured nearby plantations. It was not just a ceremonial stop. It was a public show of unity. Charleston welcomed him like a hero.

In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette returned to the United States nearly fifty years after helping secure its independence. Charleston was one of his first stops. He arrived aboard the Cadmus and found the city waiting.

Locals crowded the waterfront. Flags flew from windows. Bands played loud enough to carry across the water. Lafayette’s visit included parades, formal speeches, and dinners hosted by Charleston’s most prominent families. It stirred strong feelings. His arrival reminded people of the Revolution and of the help the country once needed and received from abroad. 

Charleston did not always host peaceful visitors. In 1718, the pirate Blackbeard sailed into view with a small fleet. He never stepped ashore, but his threat was clear. He captured several ships near the harbor and held their passengers for ransom. He demanded medicine in return.

The standoff lasted several days. The city gave in. Blackbeard took what he wanted and left.

Then there was Stede Bonnet. Known as the “Gentleman Pirate,” he was not quite as effective. He was captured near Charleston, brought ashore, and eventually hanged at White Point Garden. Crowds came to watch. His death marked the end of Charleston’s tolerance for piracy and the start of a stricter maritime defense.

By the 1940s, Charleston’s harbor was buzzing with military activity. Submarines, destroyers, and transport ships came and went. The city’s shipyards ran day and night. They built and repaired the vessels needed for war.

Thousands of sailors trained here. Some stayed for weeks. Others shipped out the same day they arrived. Hotels were full. Diners stayed open late. The war changed Charleston. The Navy never really left. Even today, military ships still pass through. There are just fewer of them, and their pace is slower.

In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited Charleston aboard the royal yacht Britannia. The harbor was packed with spectators. People stood on docks, balconies, rooftops, and anywhere they could find a view.

The Queen’s visit was brief but memorable. She toured Middleton Place, attended a formal lunch, and met with local officials. For many in Charleston, it was the first time they had seen a monarch. It was also the last. Her arrival marked a quiet moment of connection between the city’s colonial roots and its role in the modern world.

Charleston’s harbor is still busy, just with different kinds of guests.

Every year, tall ships from around the world arrive for festivals and regattas. Racing yachts stop through during the Atlantic Cup. Celebrities anchor near downtown, step off their boats, and head into town for events or quiet getaways. Film crews sometimes join them. The harbor continues to play host to all kinds of folks.

You do not need a crown or a cannon to see Charleston the way they did. With Carolina Marine Group, you can cruise through the same harbor that welcomed Washington and Lafayette. You can pass the same point where pirates once stood and follow the shoreline Queen Elizabeth II admired. History is still here.

You just have to come aboard. Book your tour today!