Fast forward to the 21st century and Charleston is unrecognizable. Despite its tumultuous past, many examples of 18th and 19th-century architecture still stand in the city's historic district (including St Michael's, center). Since then, a variety of modern additions have sprung up around them. Following the defeat of the Confederacy, the city rebuilt and became a powerful port once again.

Today, its industry includes paper mills, metalworking, manufacturing, and tourism. The charming city is home to just 154,000 inhabitants, but it pulls in over seven million out-of-town visitors each year.

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