West Ashley is where Charleston started. English colonists settled at Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River in 1670, then moved to the peninsula around 1680. Ashley River Road, one of the oldest roads in the state, connected the river plantations. Bridges tied West Ashley to downtown from 1810 on, and the area grew into Charleston's big suburb after World War II.
In short: West Ashley is where Charleston started: English colonists settled at Albemarle Point in 1670, then moved to the peninsula around 1680. Ashley River Road linked the river plantations, bridges tied West Ashley to downtown from 1810, and the area grew into Charleston's big suburb after World War II.
Timeline
Sources: National Register nomination, Ashley River Road; Discover South Carolina; Post and Courier on the Ashley River bridges; City of Charleston, West Ashley Revitalization Commission record; Charleston Trident MLS (year built). Know a piece of West Ashley history I should add? Tell me.
Common questions
Why is it called West Ashley?
It's a description, not an old town name: West Ashley is the part of Charleston west of the Ashley River.
Where was Charleston first settled?
At Albemarle Point on the west bank of the Ashley River in 1670, today's Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in West Ashley.
When did Citadel Mall open?
January 1981, according to a City of Charleston West Ashley Revitalization Commission record.
Michael JagerCharleston-born REALTOR® with eXp Realty, working with buyers and sellers in West Ashley and across the Charleston area. SC license #125890. About Michael · Verify my license