North Charleston is a city located in the U.S. state of South Carolina, situated just north of Charleston in Charleston County. With a population of 108,304 as of the 2020 census, North Charleston is the third largest city in South Carolina behind Columbia and Charleston. The city has a rich history and economy, with aerospace, transportation equipment, and chemical manufacturing playing major roles.
Population
As mentioned, North Charleston has a population of 108,304 as of the 2020 census. This makes it the third largest city in South Carolina after Columbia (134,309) and Charleston (137,566). The city has grown rapidly in recent decades, with its population more than quadrupling since 1970 when it stood at only 22,799.
History
North Charleston has a long and storied history. The area was first settled in the late 17th century as Charles Town Township, an offshoot of nearby Charleston. It played an important economic role in the antebellum South as a hub for agriculture and commerce. Following the Civil War, the area rebuilt and industrialized. North Charleston incorporated as a city in 1972 in response to years of neglect and deterioration in the area.
Economy
Today, North Charleston has a diversified economy with manufacturing, aerospace, transportation, healthcare, retail, construction and other industries. Some of the major employers in North Charleston include:
- Boeing South Carolina – manufactures and assembles Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft
- Joint Base Charleston – Air Force base providing military and civilian jobs
- Roper St. Francis Healthcare – major regional healthcare provider
- Robert Bosch – automotive technology manufacturer
- Cummins Wagner – designs and manufactures generators and other power systems
In addition to manufacturing, the city also has a fast growing retail and service economy catering to residents and tourists visiting nearby Charleston. Major retail employers include Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Best Buy and others. The city is also working to redevelop old naval base areas into new commercial and residential space.
Tourism
While not as big a tourism draw as historic Charleston, North Charleston does offer several attractions and things to do for visitors:
- North Charleston Riverfront Park – features walkways, gardens, an amphitheater and recreation on the Cooper River.
- North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center – hosts major concerts, events and performances.
- Wannamaker County Park – Large park with hiking, gardens, playgrounds, and waterpark.
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – Gardens first planted in 1676, open for tours.
- Historical sites related to the Civil War, like the Hunley submarine.
The city is located just a short drive from Charleston’s attractions, beaches, historical sites and more. It provides an affordable base to explore the region.
Famous Landmarks
Some of the most famous historical landmarks in North Charleston include:
- North Charleston & American LaFrance Fire Museum – Displays antique fire engines and equipment dating back to the 1800s.
- North Charleston Coliseum – Originally built in 1993, the coliseum hosts major sports events, concerts and performances.
- HL Hunley Submarine – This Confederate submarine from the Civil War was the first in history to sink an enemy ship.
- Wannamaker County Park – Once the site of Wannamaker Plantation, this park still has historic homes and gardens from the 1800s.
These and other landmarks provide insights into North Charleston’s long and storied past as a center of the antebellum South, Civil War operations, and the modern aerospace industry.
Government
North Charleston operates under a council-manager style government. The city is led by an elected Mayor and City Council who appoint a professional City Manager to handle day-to-day operations. The current Mayor of North Charleston is Keith Summey, who has been in office since 1994. City Council members serve 4 year terms with elections held every two years. For more information, visit the City of North Charleston’s Elected Officials page.
Sports
While North Charleston does not have any major professional sports teams, the city is home to several college and minor league teams:
- Charleston Southern Basketball – Charleston Southern University teams play at the North Charleston Coliseum.
- Charleston RiverDogs – A Class Single-A minor league baseball team affiliated with the New York Yankees.
- Charleston Battery – A professional soccer team playing in the USL Championship league.
Between these teams and events at the Coliseum, North Charleston provides plenty of options for sports fans in the Charleston region.
North Charleston has an official city government Facebook page to share news, events, job openings and more. You can find them at facebook.com/NorthCharleston.