Dock Street Theater

The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble. The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration. This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.
The Dock Street Theatre is Charleston's last surviving hotel from the antebellum period. The silhouette of its wrought iron balcony against the spire of St. Philip's church may be the single most photographed spot in the city. The main portion of the building was constructed around 1809 as Planter's Hotel. The hotel was built by Alexander Calder and his wife, who did so by renovating several pre-existing buildings at the site. The main entrance may not have been built until 1855 by J.W. Gamble. The hotel was used extensively by planters from the midlands of South Carolina, who traveled to Charleston during horse-racing season. It was noted for its wonderful food and drinks during this era, and the South's famous Planter's Punch may have originated here. Guests to the hotel passed through the recessed porch with brownstone columns, into the lobby, and up a grand staircase that ascended to a drawing room. While much of the interior has been altered, these elements of the antebellum hotel remain and were adapted in subsequent uses of the building. A series of additions to the hotel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries can be easily identified by differences in brick coloration. This theater is said to have been the first building built specifically for theatrical performances in America. Planter's Hotel occasionally housed one of the city's theatrical troupes, which performed at the nearby New Theatre during the mid-19th century. The most notable actor of this troupe was Junius Brutus Booth. Booth was the patriarch of an outstanding family of actors, which included John Wilkes Booth, President Lincoln's assassin. Junius Booth, who stayed at the Planter's Hotel, allegedly tried to kill his manager here in 1838. Today the Dock Street Theatre is home to the Charleston Stage Company, South Carolina's largest professional theater production company, and houses the city's Cultural Affairs office as well as The City Gallery, an exhibition space for local artists.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Dock Street Theater

Tours & day trips

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Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Charleston: Historical Downtown Tour by Horse-drawn Carriage

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.4 out of 10 with 101 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,960 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

Day Trips to Charleston#7 See Ft Sumter,CarriageTour,Lunch & more

Activity duration is 12 hours
8.4 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥34,228 per adult
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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Charleston: The Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour

Charleston: The Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥3,978 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Charleston: Outer Banks Film Locations Tour

Charleston: Outer Banks Film Locations Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥35,820 per adult
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Popular places to visit

Pink House Gallery featuring a house

Pink House Gallery

You can browse the exhibits at Pink House Gallery, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Add the area's shops or stunning cathedral to your travel plans.

Pink House Gallery
Walking tour around Charleston

Old Slave Mart Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Old Slave Mart Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Charleston. Discover the area's stunning cathedral, or seek out its local tours.

Old Slave Mart Museum
St. Philip\'s Church showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. Philip's Church

Attend a service with the oldest religious congregation in South Carolina, dating back to the 17th century. George Washington worshipped with this congregation.

St. Philip's Church
Washington Square featuring a park

Washington Square

Meet, mingle and move in this verdant park in the heart of downtown Charleston, a quiet retreat near several of the city’s top attractions.

Washington Square
One of the many gates throughout Charleston, South Carolina. This one is called the Lyre.

Circular Congregational Church

After visiting Circular Congregational Church, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Charleston. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.

Circular Congregational Church
Gibbes Museum of Art showing heritage elements and interior views

Gibbes Museum of Art

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Browse the collection of this visual arts museum, set in Charleston’s Historic District. Its detailed Beaux Arts style makes it as impressive outside as inside.

Gibbes Museum of Art

Best Lodging Options Near Dock Street Theater

The Francis Marion Hotel

The Francis Marion Hotel

4 out of 5
387 King St Charleston SC
The Francis Marion Hotel
Planters Inn

Planters Inn

4.5 out of 5
112 N Market St Charleston SC
Planters Inn
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
115 Meeting Street Charleston SC
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Ryder Hotel

The Ryder Hotel

3.5 out of 5
237 Meeting Street Charleston SC
The Ryder Hotel
The Vendue

The Vendue

4 out of 5
19 Vendue Range Charleston SC
The Vendue
The Palmetto Hotel

The Palmetto Hotel

4 out of 5
194 East Bay Street Charleston SC
The Palmetto Hotel
The Charleston Place

The Charleston Place

5 out of 5
130 Market St Charleston SC
The Charleston Place
The Ansonborough

The Ansonborough

4 out of 5
21 Hasell Street Charleston SC
The Ansonborough
Indigo Inn

Indigo Inn

3 out of 5
1 Maiden lane Charleston SC
Indigo Inn
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