M/f * ATLANTA AMismvA ^omTia amebuca rnoxjm BUOMAWS ■oute'TS!''® W«v«s/ly Ubrar, ATLANiniC ">’«>-S;« 2 v^ l/\ [CHARLESTON 32 reer AT HI6H water pCEAU FA PACttFIC OCEAN Charleston, S, C HER RESOURCES AND ADVANTAGES ISSUED BY THE CHARLESTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WALKER, EVANS 4 COGSWELL CO., CHARLESTON, S. C. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Duke University Libraries https://archive.org/details/charlestonscherrOOchar CHARLESTON HER INDUSTRIES, RESOURCES, OPPOR- TUNITIES, ADVANTAGES. LONG the Atlantic seaboard, the recognized commercial backbone of the United States, two cities stand out as pre-eminently the first and foremost ports of their respective sections — New York in the North; Charles- ton in the South. Possessing many points of similarity, these two cities have long been recognized as important shipping and distributing centers by both the government and the world of trade. Exceptional as are Charleston’s remarkable advanta- ges as a port, recent development of the great territory of which she is the natural distributing center and the vast riches lying at her very doors make certain im- mediate and continued extensions of them. THE PURPOSE OF THIS WORK. It is the purpose of this little volume to set forth a few of the salient facts, figures and statistics regarding Charleston with each and every statement easily proved by the official and authentic records from which they have been compiled. As for the booklet’s mission — its purpose is at one Charleston, S. C. time to place the world at large in intimate acquaintance with the conditions, growth, resources, advantages and facilities of Charleston of today and to correct any misapprehensions or mistakes on the part of the mis- informed. ONLY AUTHORITATIVE FIGURES USED, As to the value of the contents, each and every sta- tistic, figure and statement may be absolutely relied upon as authoritative. Wherever possible, official records have been used. When this was impossible, the testi- mony of same, conservative business and professional men — those in a position to know whereof they speak — has been substituted. EDITED BY REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS MEN. Published, edited and collected under the personal supervision and direction of the municipal government of Charleston, the Manufacturers,’ Jobbers’ and Bank- ers Association and the Charleston Chamber of Com- merce, every page has been carefully revised and en- dorsed by men of affairs who have insisted that only cold facts be used and that any exaggeration of exces- sive local pride and patriotism be absolutely eliminated and conservatism and the plain truth be substituted. For this reason, glittering generalities — so interesting and attractive to the casual reader — have been avoided and only such statements are made as may guide aright the prospective manufacturer, investor or citizen and such information is given as may be absolutely de- pended upon by business men. A word in passing regarding the transportation facilities of Charleston although the subject will be taken up in detail under the proper heading later. charleston’s co-operation with railroads. During the past two years, there has been much legislation — especially in Southern States and munici- Page Four Commercial Importance Page Five COUNTY COURT HOUSE. CITY HALL. Strategic Location palities — against railroads, public utilities and great corporations. In the face of such drastic legislation and antagonism, Charleston’s position has been both unique and progressive. While demanding a strict regulation of corporate wealth in its relation to the public. Charles- ton of today has constantly looked to better service and facilities so far as the big transportation companies are concerned. UNEQUALLED INDUCEMENTS TO MANUFACTURERS, ETC. This policy, added to her natural advantages of posi- tion, her port with its water rates and unexcelled harbor facilities, form a combination offering unequalled in- ducements to the manufacturer, the shipper and the business man. And it is the acceptance of these advantages that is constantly bringing in new capital, new enterprises and new citizens which have made and are making the Charleston of today and of tomorrow. HER COMMERCIAL IMPORTANCE RECOGNIZED. The importance of Charleston’s position from both a commercial and a strategic point of view has been recognized by every historian. But great as had been her acknowledged position in the past, her present and future importance is best proved by the expendi- tures which are now being made to provide facili- ties to meet her growing needs for this and future generations. government’s recognition of charleston. The federal government, too, is recognizing Charles- ton’s growing needs in a most practical way. The key to the South Atlantic Seaboard, the government has expended a larger amount on the garrisons and fortifi- cations guarding the city’s approaches than on any other South Atlantic port. Page Seven Charleston, S. C. charleston’s mammoth dry dock. As a result of a careful examination of Charleston Harbor by a commission of experts, a great navy yard has been established on the Cooper River about two and a half miles from the city limits. Some three millions of dollars have already been expended on this work and the first dry dock constructed of granite, 6i8 feet long; 154 feet wide; 44 feet deep; has been completed. A $ 15 , 000,000 NAVY YARD. The estimated cost of completing the government’s plans will necessitate the expenditure of a sum in excess of fifteen million dollars. $ 3,500 DAILY WAGES FOR NAVY YARD. Not only does this great establishment require the pres- ence of a large army of workmen during its construction but when completed will emplov more than 2,000 persons with an average pay roll of $3,500 a day or in excess of $20,000 a week. FERTILIZER CENTER OF THE WORLD. Notwithstanding the fact that the great truck industry of Charleston feeds millions annually in far-away sections, that she is the world’s largest sea-island cotton market, and that her facilities as a port give unequalled advantages in the way of transportation rates, it is as the recognized cen- ter of the fertilizer industry that the Charleston of to-day is perhaps best known. 400,000 TONS OF FERTILIZER SHIPPED ANNUALLY. That Charleston leads the world in this respect is proved by the fact that she ships an average of 400,000 tons an- nually. Perhaps this enormous tonnage can be better real- ized when it is known that this amount represents 30.000 car loads a season. This is equal to too car loads for every Page Eight Marine Improvements Page Nine commercial club building. • * 1 ^' ■ '■ .'•' v-p::-. •V .S'V* Lumber Output business day in the year or 400 cars a day for every busi- ness day during- the fertilizer season. $7,500,000 OF FERTILIZER A YEAR. The total sales value of this industry alone exceeds the sum of $7,500,000 each year. The phosphate rock, which is the basis of the fertilizers, is mined within a few miles of the city. TREMENDOUS INCREASE IN LUMBER OUTPUT. Another of the newer industries which has played a most important part in the realization of Charleston is the manu- facture of lumber. A few years ago there were the usual number of saw-mills to be found in a large seaport. With the coming of new blood and the infusion of intelligent en- thusiasm on the part of the present generation, this in- dustry was given special attention. With unecjualled water ways and two of the largest railroad systems in the South, the development of this industry alone shows an increase of over 300 per cent, in the past five years. And so excep- tional are the many natural advantages for assured profits in this direction that it is still increasing rapidly and offers inducements which are attracting large operators in dis- tant sections of the country. OVER 100,000,000 FEET OF LUMBER A YEAR. The mills of Charleston last year sawed_ far in excess of 100,000,000 feet of lumber; over 85,000,000 feet being sent into the export trade. Planing mills and other wood- working establishments give employment to hundreds of hands at wages which greatly increase the city’s weekly pay roll. UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES IN TRUCK GROWING. The trucking industry also proves the wonderful advan- tages offered in Charleston. Remarkable as are the figures Page Eleven Charleston, S. C. below, the wonderful growth of this truck growing section is even more wonderful. It shows that the industry is as yet in its infancy and that the opportunities are practically unlimited. Its value to the city is apparent. More than this the soil and climate have produced such practical results that by careful estimates by those who have made this subject a life study, it is figured that the net profits, after every expense of making and marketing the crops had been deducted, was $1,297,000 for the year 1906, the last year for which the official figures are available. $3,717,000 IN TRUCK FOR ONE YEAR. Taking the 1906 crop for example — and the industry is growing rapidly every year — the gross value represents the sum of $3,717,000. Deducting the net profit, this shows that for the one year the sum of $2,420,000 was expended in Charleston and vicinity in fertilizer, labor, rent, seed, empty packages, etc. More growers have become independ- ent here than at any other point, quite a number becoming rich. SEVERAL CROPS RAISED EACH YEAR. Thanks to the mild climate, one thing or another can be kept growing the year around. When it is not something for the market, it is provender for the stock used upon the farm thus aiding to keep the expense of production down to a minimum and allowing full power of the land to be devoted to the money crops during the most profitable seasons. TRUCK GROWING INDUSTRY STILL IN ITS INFANCY. The following carefully prepared figures from authentic records prove the tremendous growth of this industry, inci- dentally, large as are the figures and particularly the profits, it conclusively shows that truck growing in this section is in its infancy and that there is plenty of room for additional profits for the right kind of people who are looking for in- vestments paying big dividends. Page Trvelve Truck Industry Page Thirteen ROPER HOSPITAL. •t '4 ; f J Valuable Crops COMPARATIVE FIGURES SHOWING GROWTH OF TRUCK AND INDUSTRY. AVERAGE FOR FIVE YEARS EXCLUSIVE OF 1906 Potatoes (Irish) 1906 No. of Acres Grown 8,000 6,400 No. of Barrels Grown 400,000 288,000 Value $800,000 00 $864,000 00 Potatoes (Sweet) No. of Acres 1,200 1,200 No. of Bushels 32,500 30,000 Value $ 12,000 00 $ 10,000 00 Cabbages No. of Acres 7,000 6.600 No. of Crates 1,050,000 1,180,000 Value . $940,000 00 $1,416,000 00 Asparagus No. of Acres 900 850 No. of Bunches 540,000 510,000 Value $108,000 00 $105,000 00 Cucumbers / No. of Acres 2,500 3,000 No. of Baskets 500,000 750,000 Value $300,000 00 $562,000 00 Beans No. of Acres 2,500 2,200 No. of Baskets 375-000 165,000 00 Value $187,000 00 $275,000 00 Green Peas No. of Acres 1,400 1,000 No. of Baskets 70,000 50,000 Value $ 70,000 00 $50,000 00 Page Fifteen Charleston, S. C. Other vegetables, such as beets, carrots, radish, cauliflower, spinach, turnips, etc. No. of Acres 2,500 2,500 Value $250,000 00 $300,000 Strawberries No. of Acres 400 450 No. of Quarts - 1,500.00 1,600 00 Value $120,000 00 )— 1 U\ 8 0 Summary 1906 Crops: Total No. of Acres planted .... 24,200 Gross Value of Crops $3,717,000 00 Cost Producing Crops 2,420,000 00 Net Profits $1,297,000 00 OVER $3,000,000 IN LIME AND CEMENT A YEAR. The increase in the lime and cement business has been remarkable and has proved a factor in the enormous tonnage to Charleston’s credit. The sales in 1906 were more than all the other South Atlantic ports combined, the total exceed- ing the sum of $3,000,000. DIVERSITY OF MANUFACTURING PLANTS. The city numbers many other manufactories. Of these three large plants devoted to cotton yarns, bags and bagging, two of which rank among the largest in the country, employ over 1,000 hands. Other miscellaneous factories include plants for the making of carriages, wagons, doors, sash and blinds, brick, paints, mattress, lead works, soap, baskets, oyster and vegetable canneries, cigars, candies, jewelry, over- alls, shirts, clothing, underwear, pants, cotton seed products and oils, harness and saddlery, machinery, boilers, engines, and ship building. Page Sixteen Lime and Cement Page Seventeen POST OFFICE. CUSTOM HOUSE. 1 ■1 Jobbing Center OVER 5,000 HANDS WORK THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. Over lOO of these have been forced by the demands of growing business to make many improvements and enlarge- ments. Employing over 5,000 operatives, with a weekly pay roll exceeding $25,000, they are working to their fullest capacity the year around. GREATEST JOBBING CENTER ON SOUTH ATLANTIC COAST. For many generations, Charleston has enjoyed a repu- tation as a jobbing center. Recently, this reputation has been greatly strengthened by the injection of new blood and that same intelligent enthusiam which has been responsible for big increase in other branches of trade. Possessing the finest harbor on the South Atlantic Coast, the hearty co- operation of the railroads and all the advantages belonging to through water rates from the big manufacturing cen- ters in New England and the East, this jobbing business has forged ahead with rapid strides. One of the most satisfactory features of Charleston’s job- bing trade is her export sales ; her brands and qualities of merchandise entering successfully in competition with all other domestic and foreign merchandise. CHARLESTON CUSTOMERS OVER MANY HUNDRED MILES DISTANT. Charleston houses are selling successfully and shipping from their warehouses merchandise to large trade centers at distances of many hundreds of miles. Such a trade has necessitated the carrying of large and complete stocks of merchandise including the very highest grades in every line. JOBBING CENTER FOR MANY COMMODITIES. These include boots and shoes, dry goods and notions, clothing, pants, overalls, underwear, hardware and agricul- tural implements, hats, caps and umbrellas, machinery and supplies, carriages and buggies, hardware supplies, groceries and provisions, paints, oils and varnishes, crockery and chinaware, harness and saddlery, hay and grain, candies and crackers, cigars and tobacco, poultry supplies, etc., etc. Page Nineteen Charleston, S. C. charleston’s growing popularity with southern MERCHANTS. As a result of these stocks, the equal of any in the country, merchants and others who formerly visited New York for buying goods, have recently improved the many advantages of buying nearer home. Already these jobbers have estab- lished a predominating influence with the best class of trade in every part of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, now widely known as “Charleston’s Territory,” besides competing successfully in large portions of other states. HER EXCEPTIONAL ADVANTAGES FOR RETAIL TRADE. In retail trade Charleston enjoys remarkable advantages as well as opportunities : With so many manufacturing plants, industries, and wholesale houses, the amount paid in salaries and wages are correspondingly large. These sums in constant circulation have been responsible for retail houses equal to those of any city in the country. The rapid growth and development of natural resources also offers special in- ducements for the investment of capital. RAPID GROWTH SHOWN BY POSTAL RECEIPTS. The rapid growth of Charleston is proved in many ways but there can be no surer indication of her increasing com- mercial importance than is shown by her post office receipts. For the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1902, the post office receipts, according to the official figures were $107,- 414.13. For the same period ending June 30th, 1907, the receipts were $138,909.84. During each year the receipts have shown a steady advance and the handsome building with a clerical force of twenty-three and a larger number of carriers — affords every facilit}- for the immediate delivery and collection of all letters. REMARKABLE SHOWING OF BANK CLEARANCES. That Charleston is to-day one of the great financial centers of the country is best proved by a recent report of the Commercial Agency of R. G. Dunn & Co. of New York. Page T went}) Resources Page T went'^-One EAST BATTERY. I 1 Clearings Increased While the total bank exchanges at all cities in the United States for November, 1907, were $9,664,851,552, a de- crease of 29.2 per cent, over the previous year, the Charles- ton Bank Clearings for November, 1907, showed an increase of $680,700 over November, 1906. CHARLESTON, THE COUNTRY’S “ONLY EXCEPTION.” This same report of the Dunn Commercial Agency con- tinuing, stated “Nearly every city in the South Atlantic and Middle Southern States showed a loss in bank clearances during the month of November, Charleston being the only exception.” STEADY INCREASE IN CLEARANCES DURING DEPRESSION. The fact that Charleston during the period of financial depression continued to show a steady increase in bank clearances and was “the only exception,” leaves little room in the way of comment. In October, 1907, another month when the entire country suffered from adverse financial conditions, the bank clear- ances of Charleston continued to show large and substantial increases. For October, 1907, the bank clearances showed an increase of $1,556,711.82. GAIN OF $ 1 , 500,000 DURING RECENT PANIC. This gain of more than a million and a half dollars in a single month at a time when the entire country was suffering from a period of great financial depression and uncertainty, better proves the substantial, solid financial foundation of the Charleston of to-day than many columns of glittering generalities of fulsome praise. BANK RESOURCES OF OVER $ 16 , 000 , 000 . There are many more figures to prove Charleston’s re- markable strength and superiority in a financial way. The city’s national banks at a recent period showed capital and Page Trventy-Three Charleston, S. C. surplus, $1,571,281, and deposits, $3,901,053; state banks, capital and surplus, $203,527, and deposits, $1,673,832, which savings banks, capital and surplus, $1,270,481, and deposits, $7,747,236; total capital and surplus, $3,045,289, deposits, $13,322,121; a grand total of $16,367,410. Such conditions leave absolutely no room for discussion regarding Charleston’s position in the financial circles of the South and the entire nation. AN ABUNDANT WATER SUPPLY. Charleston has a complete, modern system of water works which abundantly furnishes the needs of the city and its many industries. Many additions and improvements in the way of new reservoirs and filtration plants with the very latest equipment have greatly increased the efficiency of this fine supply of fresh water, which is now distributed through miles of water mains reaching every section of the city. charleston’s many beautiful parks. It has been claimed by many distinguished travelers that Charleston enjoys greater riches in the way of beautiful and historic parks than any other American city. As early as 1670, the founders of Charleston, men of artistic taste and refinement, were quick to appreciate the need of “green spots” even in the little colonial settlement. Some of the old defenses of the city have been transformed into beautiful parks and flower gardens. Altogether over 667 acres are utilized in this way. EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES. In this day and generation, educational advantages are of primary importance in the selection of a place of residence. For more than two centuries the culture of Charleston and her people has been widely recognized. There is no better illustration of this fact than her extensive public school sys- tem including the very best facilities for both white and Page Twenty-Four Schools and Parf^s Page T wenty-Five GIBBES art institute. Charleston, S. C Page\ Twenty-Six IN IIAMI’TON PARK. Low Insurance colored. In addition to the primary, grammar and high schools, the South Carolina Military Academy, Porter Mili- tary Academy and her colleges — both classical and medical — have for generations added to her reputation as a center of learning. Charleston also maintains a library, one of the very earliest institutions in the American Colonies, which contains valuable books of reference which cannot be dupli- cated in this country. FINE HOSPITALS AND NOTED STAFFS. A recognized medical center. Charleston is rich in hos- pitals. The Roper Hospital, the Riverside and St. Francis Xavier’s Infirmaries are all large institutions including the most scientific equipment and medical and surgical director- ates, the equal of any in the country. In addition there are private sanitariums' and endowment funds for still another hospital and a Nurse’s Home. charleston’s efficient police department. Charleston has an efficient police department and all property and citizens have been so carefully protected that anything approaching a riot or serious disturbance of any kind is unknown. FIRE DEPARTMENT — THE CITY’s PRIDE. The paid fire department has since its institution, been the pride of the city. Generous appropriations have made possible the enlarging and improvement of this department until it is second to none in the country. charleston’s remarkably low insurance loss. The report of the board of fire masters for the year igoy was remarkable and proved by actual statistics that the insurance loss in Charleston is lower than that of any other city in the United States, with one exception. As this fact is certain to result in rates of insurance in keeping with Page T went'^-Seven Charleston, S. C. this most exceptional record, the accruing advantages to all citizens of Charleston is apparent. : This lowest fire loss is not confined to the year 1907, but has been main- tained for a number of years. ONLY $62,000 TOTAL FIRE LOSS FOR THE YEAR. The report of the board of fire masters shows the fol- lowing : AVERAGE FOR 26 YEARS. Property at risk $798,556 22 Insurance 582,358 04 Loss on Real Estate $ 20,192 05 Loss on Personal Property 42,165 58 Average Loss Per Annum $ 63,357 63 The figures for the year 1907 follows: Total Value of Property at Risk ; 1,028, 600 51 Total Loss 76,801 43 Loss Over Insurance & Uninsured 10,333 00 The most modern apparatus and equipment, under- ground wires, the latest electric alarm boxes, a drill school, pension fund, excellent discipline and capable officials have proved factors in the maintaining of a department, the enviable record of which has attracted the attention of the entire insurance world. CHARLESTON AS A WINTER RESORT. For many years Charleston has been celebrated as a winter and health resort. Situated in a latitude embrac- ing all of the soft and balmy temperatures of the “Sunny South” it is far enough north to enjoy a bracing, invigor- ating atmosphere and escape the enervating heat of a too close approach to the tropics. Page T weniy-Eight Tourists' Resort Page T ivent^-Nme CHARLESTON MUSEUM CANNON PARK. Ideal Climate While it is impossible to describe the soft sea breezes that bring- health and strength to the delicate and convales- cent and rejuvenate the systems of those -who have under- gone the rigors of northern winter, a few facts from the official records of the United States Weather Bureau are sure to prove profitably interesting. charleston’s ideal climate. The average annual temperature of Charleston for thirty years is 66.1 degrees. For the months of January, 49.9 degrees; February, 52.7; March, 57.3; April, 64.8; May, 72.9; June, 79.4; July, 81.9; August, 81.0; September, 76.4; October, 66.9; November, 58.3; December, 51.6. Official figures from the Weather Bureau report will best show the average temperatures. The figures are given for a period of thirty years in order that a true average may be understood. Further figures will be cheerfully given to those specially interested. THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS EACH YEAR. So blessed in the matter of climate, it naturally follows that thousands make this sunshiny metropolis their Mecca — • and the number is rapidly increasing each year . FREE INFORMATION FOR ALL INTERESTED TRAVELERS. All information regarding accommodations will be promptly furnished and on account of the city’s excellent railroad facilities, a visit to Charleston while going to or from points further South has been made the most de- lightful period in the lives of thousands of those who winter in Dixie. EVERY OPPORTUNITY OFFERED FOR ENJOYMENT. The opportunities for enjoyment offered to visitors is almost unlimited. The very best golf links, tennis courts, etc., are to be found as well as every facility for riding or Page Thirty-One Charleston, S. C. driving-, -while the rivers and the sea offer unequalled ad- vantages for rod and gun. CHARLESTON, MOST HISTORICAL CITY IN COUNTRY. To the student of American history or the lover of the beautiful, Charleston holds a position all her own. Her many gardens have been made the scene of song and story by the best writers for two centuries while Magnolia Gar- dens and some of the old colonial country seats must always be recognized as the very finest types extant. Historically, Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter suggest but two of the most important chapters in the story of the nation and there are very many others equally interesting and dramatic. MANY CLUBS DISPENSE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. Another delightful feature of both living and visiting in Charleston are the many Clubs which keep up the repu- tation of the famous Southern hospitality. Among these, the Commercial Club, the Charleston Club, the Country Club, the Carolina Yacht Club, and others offer enjoyments such as can not be adequately described. In addition there are musical societies, art associations, museums, lecture courses and theatrical and operatic at- tractions. charleston’s moderate cost of living. The cost of living is very moderate and includes the very best of all creature comforts. Labor is plentiful and owing to the moderate cost of living can be obtained much more reasonably than in most cities. With so many large indus- tries and the rapid growth of the city, there is always a demand for mechanics and skilled artisans of all kinds. Any detailed information will be promptly furnished on re- quest. Charlestonians dwell together in peace and happi- ness and strikes and labor troubles so prevalent in many section are very rare. In fact. Charleston to-day offers al- lurements as a place of living to both employer and em- Page Thirty-Two Public Service Page Thirty-Three COLONIAL LAKE. Pleasure Resorts ployee ; operator and operatives ; such as cannot be excelled anywhere and equalled by but very few places in the country. MAGNIFICENT STREET RAILWAY SYSTEM. Charleston has a street car system recognized as one of the best equipped, best managed and most modern in the South. Schedules provide for cars reaching every section of the city at freciuent intervals. Transfers are used which enable passengers to ride from one end of the city to the other for a single five cents fare. The System is kept thoroughly up-to-date in every re- spect and the increase in receipts is another practical proof of the remarkable growth of the city. These receipts show an increase of 38 per cent, during the past nine years and eight and one-half per cent, during the past year. CHARLESTON — A DELIGHTFUL SUMMER RESORT. It is impossible to more than mention some of the famous summer resorts which are really a part of Charleston. Old historic Fort Moultrie with its grave containing the last remains of that dauntless warrior of the Seminoles, Osceola, the military garrisons and coast defenses with their gigantic disappearing siege guns and the dress parades, band concerts and spectacular events incidental to military life in a large post of the United States Army, attract many visitors to Sullivan’s Island in addition to the large colony who make the beautiful cottages and hotels their summer home during the season. MANY PLEASURES OF BEAUTIFUL ISLE OF PALMS. The Isle of Palms, with its hotel, pavilions and every accessory and comfort belonging' to a modern seashore resort, is too well known to recjuire more than mere men- tion. The perfect beach, recognized as one of the finest on the Atlantic coast, makes the bathing hours at this place the delight of many thousands. Large expenditures have Page Thirt})-Five Charleston, S. C. added much to the natural beauty of this favored spot with its tropical magnificence of foliage. This is one of the favorite vacation homes in the South and besides the perm- anent guests, excursions draw additional thousands from all parts of Dixie each summer. It is through the enjoyment of such remarkably diversi- fied advantages as well as natural resources that Charleston is to-day an all the year round resort. The large sums of money spent by these tourists is a factor in the commercial growth of the city and each year shows a big increase over the previous twelvemonth. IMPORTS EXCEEDED BOTH NORFOLK AND SAVANNAH. One of the most conclusive proofs of the growth of the city is given in the report of the chairman of the board of pilot commissioners for 1907, showing that the imports of Charleston exceed the combined imports of Norfolk and Savannah. YEAR OF 1907 BREAKS ALL RECORDS. The arrival of both foreign and domestic vessels (meas- ured by registered tonnage), for 1907, exceeded that of any previous year in the history of the port. $3,528,553 in imports for 1907. The value of imports for 1907, amounted to $3,528,553, a gain of $700,000 over 1906, and more than any Atlantic port south of Baltimore and greater than the combined receipts of Savannah and Norfolk. While the maximum draft of a vessel entering the har- bor was 27 feet, the official report states that “we have the necessary water and skilled pilots to safely bring in drafts of thirty feet, with water to spare.” The number of officers and sailors annually visiting the port is conserv- atively estimated at six thousand. This, of course, does not include those of the regular coastwise steamship lines. Page Thiri^-Six Large Importations P age Thirty-Seven MANUFACTURING PLANTS COOPER RIVER. Convenient Port HER UNPARELLELED ADVANTAGES FOR NEW ENTERPRISES The advantages Charleston has to offer as the location of commercial enterprise and industrial establishments are without a parallel as can be proved by actual facts and government statistics. SOME WONDERFUL HARBOR FIGURES. With twenty-seven feet of water in the shallowest place on the bar at low tide, the port has thirty-two feet when the tide is full, thus providing ample depth for the vessels of heaviest draft. The harbor is securely land-locked, and its accommodations for fleets of merchant vessels or naval battleships are almost unlimited. ADMIRAL DICKINS ON HARBOR ADVANTAGES. Admiral Dickins of the United States Navy recently said : “The harbor is a commodious one and the water on the bar will now permit any of our battleships to enter this port. The battleship Texas has the distinction of being the first battleship to enter this port. As is well known, there is thirty feet of water on the bar at high water. After enter- ing the harbor fifty battleships with twenty-six feet draft can be anchored in Charleston harbor at single anchor 400 yards apart, with a scope of forty fathoms of chain. Sixty- five battleships with the same draft and with the same scope of chain can be moored in Charleston harbor 1,000 feet apart. Thirty-five battleships can be moored above the Battery.’’ ACCOMMODATIONS FOR WORLD’s NAVIES. From this statement it will be seen that Charleston har- bor can easily accommodate the navies of the world. STRAIGHT CHANNEL AND LAND-LOCKED HARBOR. A straight channel provides easy ingress and egress to this land-locked harbor and a stretch of water front of Page Thirty -Nine Charleston, S. C. nine miles is provided with every facility in the way of wharves, piers, etc. With the exception of Boston, Charleston is the nearest port to the ocean on the entire Atlantic coast. The labor for loading and unloading ves- sels promptly is ample and the charges moderate. GATEWAY OF COMMERCE TO SOUTH AND WEST, Possessing these unequalled advantages. Charleston is the natural gateway of commerce between the South and West with the West Indies — a trade which is growing every year. With the completion of the Panama Canal, no port offers such opportunities for direct trade relations. Just by way of example the distance from Havana to Cin- cinnati by way of Charleston is 300 miles less than by way of Baltimore; 500 miles less than by way of New York, and 900 miles less than via Boston. Then, too, her near- ness to all of the West Indian possessions, Central and South America; the less perilous voyage, lower insurance and port charges, together with her exceptional terminal facilities, combine in making Charleston the greatest port of the South Atlantic Coast, as well as one of the fore- most centers of import and export trade in the country. Far-seeing men of affairs are already recognizing the unlimited opportunities for profitable investment as well as accommodations for foreign trade which Charleston offers with the completion of Panama Canal. NEAREST PORT TO MANY CENTERS OF COMMERCE. Added to Charleston’s remarkable facilities is the fact that she is nearer than any other deep-water port to many of the centers of commerce and manufacture, including Louisville, Memphis, Birmingham, Alabama, Greenville, Augusta, Montgomery, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Greens- boro, Charlotte, Macon and Columbia. She is also nearer to St. Louis than any other port except Baltimore, and but slightly further away from Chicago and Kansas City. Page Forty Extensive Harbor Page Forty-One CIGAR FACTORY. \ Cotton Market FREE INFORMATION FOR ALL INTERESTED PARTIES. It is difficult to pass over these many subjects which olYer almost unlimited opportunities for expatiation — al- though holding only to actual facts, figures and statistics — but there is no space for such in a work of this kind. There is, however, information regarding any of these subjects or fields of industry for the prospective manu- facturer, investor, business man, homeseeker or interested party. But in spite of the fact that mention has been made of so many of the resources, industries, etc., of the Charleston of to-day and the certain remarkable future of the city, there are any number of other special advantages and privileges which have not even been touched upon. SINGLE CARGO OF 30,000 BALES BREAKS RECORD. Nothing has been said of the volume of rice, general merchandise and cotton that annually passes through this port. The largest ship load of cotton on record, over 30,000 bales, in addition to a general cargo, passed out of Charleston harbor. Although possessing a 26- foot draft, she passed through the channel at night without the least inconvenience, trouble or risk of any kind. world’s greatest sea-island cotton market. Charleston is also the greatest sea-island cotton market in the world, the very finest grades of this long staple being- shipped from this port for the mills in France. This valuable commodity, bringing from 40 to 80 cents per pound, is grown directly in the vicinity of the city and brings in an annual revenue of from one to two millions of dollars. Practically this entire amount is spent and invested by the growers in Charleston. Many large fortunes have been realized in the cultivation of this valuable product. Page Forty -Three Charleston, S. C. RAPID GROWTH OF OYSTER AND CANNING INDUSTRY. Neither has mention been made of the canning and oys- ter-packing industries, which are being rapidly and profitably developed. The catching, shucking and canning of these bivalves taken from the neighboring bays and inlets already give employment to upward of a thousand hands, although the business is only in its infancy. ONLY TEA FARMS IN AMERICA. But a few miles from Charleston are the only tea farms in America. This is still another new industry that has attracted the attention of Congress and the Agricultural Department. The growing of fine grades of tea at a profit has been proved practicable by many years of experience. HEADQUARTERS FOR MANY BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT. The government’s recognition of the advantages of Charleston are alone sufficient to prove her superiority as a South Atlantic port. In addition to the $15,000,000 navy yard now in course of construction, many branches of the government have their headciuarters in and around Charleston, and these big pay rolls help much in adding extensively to the city’s revenue while other large amounts are expended for supplies, maintenance, etc. HEADQUARTERS OF SIXTH LIGHT HOUSE DISTRICT. Charleston is the headquarters of the Sixth District of the United States Light House Service, and ships carrying supplies of all kinds from this city are constantly plying to and from the many stations along the coast. As headquarters for this artillery district, the barracks for this branch of the service alone are tenanted by over 500 officers and men on Sullivan’s Island. SOME REMARKS IN CONCLUSION. In conclusion, it is only fair and just to state that it is quite impossible to give any adequate idea of the indus- Page Forty-Four Government’s Interests Page Forty-Five UNION STATION r V A Home City Page Forty-Seven SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY ACADEMY. Charleston, S. C. tries, resources, opportunities and advantages of the Charleston of to-day in a work of this limited nature. No such attempt has even been made. Rather, a mere skeleton has been sketched so far as official facts, figures and sta- tistics permitted. The aim has been merely to suggest some of the city’s indisputable claims as the recognized port of entry for the entire South. THE IDEAL CITY FOR HOME AND BUSINESS. Altogether, Charleston is a charming and healthful place of residence as well as a city offering remarkable oppor- tunities for the capitalist, business man and skilled work- man. In addition to material advantages, in climatic con- ditions and in many other ways, nature has added bless- ings which are the delight of visitors from every section. The cost of living compares most favorably with that of any other American city and in addition to the finest mar- kets in the world creature comforts of all sorts, the culture, refinement and educational advantages of Charleston must strongly appeal to the most particular and discriminating. The present Charleston is offering exceptional induce- ments as well as advantages to manufacturers, capitalists and legitimate investments of all kinds. NEW MANUFACTORIES EXEMPT FROM TAXATION. Not only does the city exempt new plants from taxation for a period of five years, but some of the very best sites in Charleston are open to these new concerns, these loca- tions enjoying every advantage in the way of shipping, terminal facilities, etc. Page Forty-Eight