Rainbow Row
South Carolina
Rainbow Row is a collection of thirteen colorful historic townhouses located on East Bay Street in Charleston, South Carolina. Originally built in the late 1700s, these houses served both commercial and residential purposes, with shops on the ground floors and living quarters above. The area suffered significant damage from a fire in 1778 and later declined into near slum conditions after the Civil War. In the 1920s and 1930s, preservationists like Susan Pringle Frost and Dorothy Haskell Porcher Legge began restoring the houses, painting them in pastel Caribbean-inspired colors which helped keep interiors cool and gave the street its iconic "Rainbow Row" name. Today, Rainbow Row is a beloved historic landmark and one of Charleston's most photographed sites, symbolizing the city's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage. The houses feature architectural details such as neoclassical balconies, Chinese Chippendale interiors, and stuccoed facades, reflecting their varied historical uses and restorations. Visitors can stroll along the street to admire the vibrant colors and learn about the area's evolution from a commercial hub to a treasured tourist attraction.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit Rainbow Row in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy soft natural light ideal for photography. Consider purchasing tickets for guided walking tours in advance to gain historical insights. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or groups. Wear comfortable shoes as the street is best explored on foot, and check local event calendars as special heritage events occasionally take place in the area.
Interesting facts
- •Rainbow Row consists of thirteen historic houses painted in pastel colors inspired by colonial Caribbean schemes.
- •The name 'Rainbow Row' was coined in the 1930s and 1940s during restoration efforts when the houses were painted in various pastel hues.
- •The pastel colors helped keep the houses cool inside before the advent of modern air conditioning.
- •A fire in 1778 destroyed much of the neighborhood, but some houses, such as 95 to 101 East Bay Street, survived.
- •Local myths suggest the colors helped intoxicated sailors identify their lodgings or guided illiterate slaves to specific stores, though these are unverified.
- •Susan Pringle Frost, a key preservationist, bought several houses in the 1920s to save them from demolition.
History
Rainbow Row was originally constructed in the late 18th century as a series of thirteen townhouses serving commercial and residential purposes.
A devastating fire in 1778 destroyed much of the neighborhood, sparing only a few buildings.
Post-Civil War, the area fell into decline and near slum conditions.
In the 1920s and 1930s, preservation efforts led by Susan Pringle Frost and Dorothy Haskell Porcher Legge restored the houses, painting them in pastel shades inspired by colonial Caribbean colors.
By 1945, most houses had been restored, and in 1931, Rainbow Row was officially recognized as a historic landmark, securing its preservation for future generations.
Place Guide
79-81 East Bay Street1778-1845
These buildings anchor the southern end of Rainbow Row. The southernmost building dates from about 1845, the newest in the row, while the adjoining building was constructed between 1778 and 1785 after a fire destroyed the original structure.
83 East Bay Street - William Stone Housec.1784
Built around 1784 by a Tory merchant, this house was restored by Susan Pringle Frost in 1941. It features a neoclassical balcony and Colonial Revival style door replacing an earlier storefront.
85 East Bay StreetLate 18th century
Likely built near the American Revolution, this house had a ship chandlery on the ground floor and living space above featuring Chinese Chippendale interior details. It was restored in 1944 after years of vacancy.
87 East Bay StreetPost-1778
Constructed after a 1778 fire by Scottish merchant James Gordon, this four-story building retains its original windows and stucco. Susan Pringle Frost purchased and restored it in the 1920s, adding a balcony.
89 East Bay Street - Deas-Tunno Housec.1770
Built around 1770, this house differs by having a side yard with a garden screened by a wall and balustrade. It was designed for commercial use with residential space above and includes a garage facing the sidewalk.
