The American Civil War began in the beautiful South Carolina city. The state had already seceded from the Union six months earlier, and then in April 1861, Rebel forces decided to capture Fort Sumter, which was manned by Union troops. The rest is history, but you can visit these days and make your own travel history.

Charleston was a beautiful Southern city then, and still is today. The same stately mansions stand as they did before the War Between the States. They and other sights you should see while roaming the city locals call Chucktown.

The city’s November weather averages are pleasant low 70s daytime and mid 50s at night. Stroll the picturesque waterfront, parks and beaches, and eat at least one restaurant that specializes in Southern cooking. Gilligan’s near the beach is a good choice, with a special dish called Lowcountry Boil, consisting of locally-caught shrimp and other seafood in a spicy sauce. Charleston is one the largest centers for higher learning in America, with many college and university campuses in the city or nearby. They include Charleston Southern University, Charleston School of Law, The Citadel and Medical University of South Carolina.

Be sure to visit The Citadel, the military institute that has given America many generals, ambassadors, governors and senators since 1842. Get there in time for the weekly pass in review of cadets. For seniors who’ve served, it’s a stirring reminder of long-ago military days.

The South Carolina Aquarium is one of the most popular destinations in Charleston. The Aquarium offers living ocean and shore creatures from nearby and around the world. Some exhibits feature hands-on with friendly fish, animals and crustacea.

The Battery at White Point Gardens: Visitors have a perfect view of Fort Sumter from The Battery on the southern land strip of the Charleston Peninsula, at Murray Boulevard and East Battery Street. You’ll have the same sight the Rebel gunners had when the began their bombardment in 1861.

The White Point Gardens are typical of Southern charm, with colorful flowers, several classical mansions and statues of Confederate heroes. Buy a take-out lunch at a nearby café and enjoy it on colorful autumn days under the massive oak trees.

USS Yorktown at Patriot’s Point: The USS Yorktown (CV-10), the second carrier to bear the name. The first was lost in the Battle of Midway in 1942, and the second was commissioned the next year. The later USS Yorktown had a distinguished battle history in World War II, Korea and the Vietnam War.

She was decommissioned in 1970, and in 1975 became a museum and National Historic Landmark. The Yorktown is at Vendue Range and Concord Street, along Charleston Harbor.