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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Marion Square

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SC Picture Project / Charleston County / Marion Square

Marion Square is a 10-acre park located in the heart of historic downtown Charleston. Named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the park serves as an important reminder of the city’s military beginnings.

Marion Square Aerial, Charleston

Kylie Jeffords of Johns Island, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In the late 1750s, a large tabby fort known as the “Horn Work” was constructed on the west side of what is now Marion Square. This fort served as the city’s primary point of defense during the Siege of Charleston in 1780. A portion of the fort exists today in a small fenced area as seen below.

Marion Square Tabby Remnant

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

After the war the site was transferred to the newly-incorporated City of Charleston. In the 1800s the square served as a muster ground for the SC State Arsenal (Old Citadel) and became known as the Citadel Green. The city’s lease still stipulates that the central portion of the square be kept open indefinitely as a parade ground for the Sumter Guards and the Washington Light Infantry. Today the former arsenal is an Embassy Suites hotel, as pictured below.

Former Citadel Building, Marion Square

Brandon Coffey of Charleston, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Marion Square is also home to several monuments, including the Calhoun Monument, which honors Abbeville County native and accomplished statesman John C. Calhoun. The cornerstone, laid in 1858, contains a cannonball from the Battle of Fort Moultrie, a banner used in Calhoun’s funeral, and even a lock of his hair.

Calhoun Monument

Andy Hunter of North Augusta, 2013 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Today the square is one of downtown Charleston’s most popular parks and is home to the Charleston Farmers’ Market and other annual events such as the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the Charleston Food and Wine Festival, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Click here for more information and directions to Marion Square.

Marion Square Park

Andy Hunter of North Augusta, 2013 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Plan Your Trip: Marion Square

Where is Marion Square located?
Address: 329 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
GPS Coordinates: 32.786867,-79.935690
What else should I see?
Old Citadel 0.1 mile
St. Matthew's Lutheran Church 0.1 mile
J.M. Connelley Funeral Home 0.2 mile
Emanuel AME Church 0.3 mile
Show me more like this!
  • Charleston Historic Sites
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  • See other South Carolina Parks
    Marion Square Map

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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