Charleston and Savannah: The Rise, Fall, and Reinvention of Two Rival Cities

Thomas D. Wilson's Charleston and Savannah is the first comprehensive history of these two early English-speaking cities in America, combining cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic elements. It charts their progress and development, examining their economic rise, cultural and economic aspects, and problematic pasts. Both cities are positioned as historically significant southern cities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2023
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Charleston and Savannah, two of the earliest English-speaking cities founded in America, hold a prominent place among the nation's top historic sites. These vibrant cities, with their rich blend of cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic elements, attract millions of visitors each year. However, preserving their authentic historic character, natural beauty, and environmental quality poses a significant challenge, even amidst their popularity. In his comprehensive history, Charleston and Savannah, Thomas D. Wilson weaves together the influences and parallels of these cities' intrinsic stories, offering a comprehensive examination of their development.

Charting the ebb and flow of progress and development, Wilson employs various through lines running within each chapter to construct an overall character assessment of each. He delves into the economic rise of these port cities, beginning with their British foundations and transatlantic trade in the colonies, and extending to their twentieth-century economic declines and resurgences. He explores the cultural and economic aspects of their Lowcountry landscapes, tracing their evolution as progress and industrialization left their mark.

Employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, Wilson compares Charleston and Savannah in various aspects, including their histories, natural landscapes, weather patterns, economies, demographics, culture, architecture, city planning, and infrastructure. While each city possesses its own civic and cultural strengths and weaknesses, they are collectively recognized as historically significant southern cities, acknowledging their problematic pasts while celebrating their rich heritage.

This comprehensive history provides valuable insights into the evolution and character of Charleston and Savannah, shedding light on their contributions to American history and culture. It serves as a testament to the resilience and significance of these cities, as they navigate the challenges of preserving their heritage while embracing the opportunities of growth and development.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820363196