Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Big Red

Porcher-Simonds House, East Battery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


One of Charleston's most popular sights is the row antebellum mansions that perch above East Battery Street, overlooking Charleston harbor. Many of these houses display tall multi-story columns that are visible from several miles away.

The Porcher-Simonds House (1856), pictured above, was designed in an architectural style reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance, complete with Ionic capitals and an ornately decorated pediment.

The red palmetto tree flag, called "Big Red", is a variant of the blue South Carolina state flag. It was flown by Charlestonians, just after the Declaration of Succession of 1860, as a symbol of state's rights and resistance to encroachments of the federal government.





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22 comments:

  1. LuizaJune 14, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    Wonderful building! Good shot:-)

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  2. AnonymousJune 14, 2011 at 2:56 AM

    Very nice building, it looks like a castle.
    I also like the palm trees, they are special for me :)

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  3. Cezar and LéiaJune 14, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    lovely sunlight in the facade,this mansion is spectacular elegant!
    Léia

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  4. Frank de JolJune 14, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    Beautiful architecture and sunlight.

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  5. brattcatJune 14, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    The building is so creamy yellow in that light that this image made me think of primary colors. I wish I could share some of our rain with you, Doug.

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  6. Klaudia JJune 14, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    wonderful composition and work ...

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  7. yzJune 14, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    beautiful light

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  8. VPJune 14, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    A great image! I always like to learn something about the history of flags.

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  9. RobJune 14, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Love the architecture

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  10. Traveling HawkJune 14, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    Beautiful building. Interesting piece of history.

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  11. A.BarlowJune 14, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Nice shot and spot on story too.

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  12. Marie LCJune 14, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    Wonderful light ! and architecture

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  13. cieldequimperJune 14, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Hi Doug!
    Sorry I haven't commented for awhile but it seems that every time I do, IE crashes...

    So, all your photos lately have been absolutely gorgeous, my favourites are Mt Hood (that PNW connection that I can't seem to break free of - not that I want to!), the amazing shadows and the misty morning. Fabulous!

    As for today's shot, seeing just the top I thought it was a building in Nice on the French riviera... It is strikingly beautiful!

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  14. Stefan JanssonJune 14, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    Fantastic light in this quality photo.

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  15. UnknownJune 14, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    It's nice to see your photos so beautiful, and the stories they tell us.
    Greetings.

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  16. OKJune 14, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    I really like the light and composition.

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  17. ChristopherJune 14, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    The dash of red here is perfect--lovely shot filled with gorgeous light

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  18. London CallerJune 14, 2011 at 8:37 PM

    The crescent moon is a symbol of Islam.
    I'm surprised to see it on SC state flag.
    Let me guess, so the palmetto is your state tree.
    And Islam your state religion? :^)

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  19. 黄清华 Wong Ching WahJune 15, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    Good vertical composition, the red does stand out !

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  20. Joop ZandJune 16, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    Very nice colors and a good composition, your blog is very nice Doug....well done.

    Greetings from Holland, Joop

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  21. OlegJune 16, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Wonderful sights! I love this architectural style. And you have noticed excellently this symbolic palm-tree on the red flag and splendid palm-avenue.

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  22. Andrew Graeme GouldJune 28, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    What wonderful looking architecture your city has, Doug. A fine image.

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