Ansonborough Charleston South Carolina

Beautiful pictorial map of ‘Charleston’s first suburb’

This charming pictorial map showcases the historic neighborhood of Ansonborough in Charleston, South Carolina. The name originates from a 64-acre tract of property adjacent to the Cooper River, purchased by Captain George Anson and developed into one of the city’s first exclusive suburbs. The area had fallen into decline by the mid-20th century and the Historic Charleston Foundation developed an intensive revitalization program, the success of which is reflected here.

The stylish image presents an area bounded by East Bay, Calhoun, Meeting, and Hassell Streets (Anson St. bisects east/west). A variety of beautiful structures are illustrated in profile and situated amid lush greenery. Many of Charleston’s iconic landmarks can be seen in the decorative ‘wrought-iron’ border, topped by a portrait of Anson himself.

The map was illustrated by Marie Fenner and published locally by Olde South Galleries in 1968. Rare, with only two entries in WorldCat as of March 2025 – at the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina State Library.

Sources:OCLC# 46539727; University of South Carolina; Maison CHS (Real Estate);