Circular Congregational Church, Charleston

Circular Congregational Church, Charleston

Originally known as the Independent Church of Charles Towne, this church was founded in 1681 by some of the earliest settlers, including English Congregationalists, Scots Presbyterians, and French Huguenots. In fact, it was one of the first two congregations established in the settlement, the other being Saint Philip's Church.

The initial structure, made of white bricks, was known by locals as the "White Meeting House", which gave rise to the name of Meeting Street. In 1780, during the siege of Charleston, it was struck by a British cannonball, leading to its replacement in 1806 with the first "Circular Church", an impressive Pantheon-style structure designed by Charleston's esteemed architect, Robert Mills. Described at the time as "the most extraordinary building in the U.S.", it featured seven doors, 26 windows, and could accommodate 2,000 people, including both black and white congregants.

Unfortunately, the walls of the Circular Church did not survive for long, as the devastating fire of 1861 consumed the city. The third and current church, not precisely circular but designed with a modified cloverleaf pattern, was completed in 1892, using bricks salvaged from its predecessor. Alongside its unique architectural significance and rich history, the building also serves as a splendid venue for musical events held throughout the year.

Lying adjacent, the parish house is yet another remarkable Greek Revival creation by Robert Mills, featuring twin stairways and wrought iron railings. It has survived over the years and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

The city's oldest cemetery, located at the church, is also noteworthy as it contains numerous tombstones dating back to the 1690s.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Circular Congregational Church on Map

Sight Name: Circular Congregational Church
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Charleston, South Carolina

Create Your Own Walk in Charleston

Create Your Own Walk in Charleston

Creating your own self-guided walk in Charleston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Harleston Village Walking Tour

Harleston Village Walking Tour

Founded in the 18th century, the historic Harleston Village is a charming neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina. The rich past and vibrant present of this area make it a popular destination for tourists.

At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historical Houses Tour

Historical Houses Tour

Charleston is steeped in history. Walking the colorful, narrow cobblestone streets of one of America's oldest towns, with its stunningly preserved colonial homes, you can see its story play out before your eyes practically everywhere you turn. Indeed, Charleston is among the most celebrated places in the U.S. to explore fine examples of American architecture and its progression through time.
...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
French Quarter Walking Tour

French Quarter Walking Tour

A historic district in downtown Charleston, The French Quarter is named so for the high concentration of French merchants that once lived in the area and left their mark on it. The name was coined in 1973, when preservation efforts began for warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block. That same year the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The busy neighbourhood...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Charleston Introduction Walking Tour

Charleston Introduction Walking Tour

A popular tourist destination and a major port city in South Carolina, Charleston is fit to impress anyone with its Southern charm, friendliness, and rich history. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England, this was the first comprehensively planned town in America.

The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Downtown Historical Churches Tour

Downtown Historical Churches Tour

Charleston, South Carolina, is also sometimes called the “Holy City.” This is due to the large number of churches found here. Needless to say, the most fascinating of them are concentrated in the Downtown area, each with its unique charm and significance.

Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles