Charleston: Landing Cotton Alongside The Exchange c. 1820

This view is from the basin behind the Exchange, which was constructed in 1771-1772 to serve the dire need for a meetinghouse for members of the commercial hierarchy of the fledgling port and also as a Customs House. Shown secured at a pier to the left is a regular caller at the port, the sloop “Lady Washington.” To the right, the recently arrived ship “Superb,” is taking on a cargo of cotton, attracting the attention of visitors to the Exchange that day.

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