CHARLESTON Urban Fabrics City Map: PRINTCHARLESTON, South Carolina. This historic city was founded in 1670 and its defensive fortress was located where the Battery stands today. The homes of "genteel" planters eventually lined the Battery while plantations lined the river. The city's magnificent architecture resulted from planter trade, both reliant on slavery. African influences in food, culture and craft are a significant story of Charleston, as well as the historically untold story of