This month, the Chamber commemorated its 250th anniversary. The Charleston Metro Chamber is the longest continually operating chamber in the nation and its origin story can be traced back to the Charleston Tea Party.
By 1776, the Stamp Act had been repealed by Parliament but the tax on tea remained as proof Parliament had the right to tax the colonists. To pay the tax on tea was an admission that Parliament held the power. In October of 1773, seven ships set sail with tea for America. Two of the seven were headed to Charleston.
A committee was formed to circulate a resolution and secure signatures to agree “not to import, either directly or indirectly, any teas that will pay the present duty.” The five men who made up the committee represented the planters and the mechanics. The Charleston merchants were missing and decided to organize on their own, considering recent events.
“At a General meeting of the ‘Gentlemen in Trade’ held on December 9, 1773 at Mrs. Swallow’s Tavern on Broad Street they organized the Charles Town Chamber of Commerce in order to ‘adjust disputes relative to Trade and Navigation.”
Ultimately, the Charleston Tea Party was less dramatic than the Tea Party that took place in Boston. The Committee agreed not to pay the tax on the tea, forcing the tea to remain on the boat unclaimed in the harbor. After 20 days, the tea was seized and brought to the Exchange Building. The Tea Party sent a message to the British government that Charleston would not play by their rules.
Convening groups to address challenging issues has been at the core of our Chamber’s advocacy efforts for 250 years. Our history is filled with many who have been passionate about advancing the Charleston region. Today, we continue to honor and learn from our last 250 years while proactively focusing on initiating, advocating and empowering our region to ready itself for the next 50 years of prosperity.
This Saturday, December 2, is the 250th anniversary of Charleston’s 1773 Tea Party Protest. The Powder Magazine Museum will present a theatrical reenactment at 10 a.m. in front of the Old Exchange Building located at 122 East Bay Street. The event is free and open to the public.
Have a great weekend!
