Upping Stones

Do you remember the horse and buggy days.  I don't either, but we have two distinct reminders of them every time we walk around the historic downtown.  The first is the parade of tourists being carted around by donkeys leaving large droppings on our streets marked with little orange flags.  "Watch your step."   The second are these large stones that trip us up as we avoid a runner out enjoying the spring time air.  The stones are referred to as "upping stones."

                Over a century ago all residents used horse and buggies to navigate Charleston, not just the tourists.  "Upping stones,"  or carriage steps, were used to tie down their horses or climb onto the carriage.  The stones are usually granite, marble, limestone or brownstone.  There are actually a few stones downtown made of quartz.  These stones began appearing in Charleston as early as the 18th century.  The low-country does not have any native stone, so most of the stones arrived via ship from the Northeast.  Some still remain in place today as a status symbol of historic authenticity.  Or laziness, because they are to heavy to move.  A recent study by College of Charleston anthropology student Craig Garrison noted that there are at least 105 such stones scattered throughout our city.

His research states that Charleston has a greater number and variety of these stones than any other city in American.  Garrison's 40 page report chronicles the dimensions style and notable features of the "upping stones" in Charleston.  Take a look at his report A Catalog of Carriage Steps it is really interesting.  The city does not hold a current code for the preservation of these stones.  They are just another wonderful aspect that tends to be naturally preserved in our historic town.  These stones traveled thousands of miles to get here and have remained in the same place for over 150 years.  Take a moment to appreciate their beauty.  Just be careful not to hit them with your car door the next time you park downtown.