The History of the Lowline
1827: The Railroad begins
The South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company is chartered by the state legislature. The company aims to connect inland markets to the port of Charleston by rail.
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1830: The "Best Friend of Charleston"
The “Best Friend of Charleston” takes it’s inaugural journey down the rail line on Christmas Day. It becomes the first locomotive in the nation to have regularly scheduled passenger rail service.
1894: Southern Railway
The South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company becomes the Southern Railway. Then in 1982 Southern Railway becomes Norfolk Southern. (*pictured the Grove Street stop)
1957-1969: Interstate 26 arrival
Interstate 26 begins construction in Columbia, and progresses towards Charleston. The segment through downtown Charleston is one of the last to be completed, with many homes and businesses demolished to make room for the new highway.
Over 150 homes demolished to make way for I-26
The images of houses were taken by SCDOT to document the structures and properties that would be affected by the construction of I-26. (*pictured 35 Mount Pleasant Street)
1976: The I-26 Linear Park
The City of Charleston and newly elected Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. create the I-26 Linear Park beneath the interstate. Though underutilized this park provided sports courts, sidewalks, and a playground for neighborhood residents. The lease agreement between the City of Charleston and SCDOT is an important precedent for the lease that the Lowline is seeking for recreational use of the land beneath the overpasses of I-26.
2004: The rail line is used for the last time
The rail line is used for the last time to transport newsprint for the Post and Courier newspaper.
2017: City of Charleston and Friends of the Lowcountry Lowline purchase the rail right-of way
After years of negotiations, the City of Charleston and the Friends of the Lowcountry Lowline purchase the rail right-of-way from Norfolk Southern for 4.5 million dollars. As a part of the agreement, Norfolk Southern removed their ties. (But don't worry, we were able to keep some!- Future art?)
2020: Conceptual Master Plan is approved unanimously by Charleston City Council
The next is left to YOU! Will you help us?
