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: Hardback
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, each with its unique charm, attract millions of visitors each year, thanks to their rich blend of cultural, environmental, and socioeconomic elements. However, as these cities continue to thrive, they face the daunting challenge of preserving their authentic historic character, natural beauty, and environmental quality. In his comprehensive history, Charleston and Savannah, Thomas D. Wilson weaves together the influences and parallels of these cities' intrinsic stories, providing a comprehensive understanding of their past and present.

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 city. 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. Wilson examines the cultural and economic aspects of the Lowcountry landscapes, highlighting their evolution as progress and industrialization made 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 positioned as historically significant southern cities, acknowledging their problematic pasts while celebrating their rich heritage.

This comprehensive history offers valuable insights into the evolution and development of Charleston and Savannah, shedding light on their contributions to American history and culture. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these cities' unique identities while addressing the challenges they face in the modern world. By exploring the parallels and contrasts between these two historic cities, Wilson provides a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of urban growth and development, offering valuable lessons for future generations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820363219