Marion Square

Welcome to the Francis Marion Hotel

"When you walk out of The Francis Marion Hotel early in the morning and turn toward the sea, all of Charleston looks like it could be a movie set for a documentary on gracious living."

- Alex Watson, Birmingham

Named for General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of the American Revolution, the hotel opened in 1924 as the largest and grandest in the Carolinas. It was originally built by local investors at a cost of $1.5 million from plans by noted New York architect W.L. Stoddart, who also built the gracious Poinsett Hotel in Greenville, SC. Throughout the years, many notable historic and famous clientele enjoyed the hotel's full service and convenient location. In 1996, an extensive restoration earned the hotel the esteemed National Trust Award and once again the Francis Marion opened its doors as Charleston's Grand Hotel. More recent refurbishments have added to the comforts of today and enhanced the hotel's historic ambiance with sleek room décor reminiscent of the 1920's grandeur.

Today, our traditional services continue to provide doorman and bell service, concierge, valet parking, room service, wireless Internet services, business center, newsstand, gift shop, Starbucks™ and a well-equipped fitness center. Guests can enjoy classic Southern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, a Charleston restaurant, known for its artfully prepared dishes using local farm fresh ingredients. Or simply relax with cocktails and jazz piano music in The Swamp Fox Bar...

The Francis Marion Hotel

The historic Francis Marion Hotel, named for the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox," has a long tradition of gracious service, elegant accommodations, and hosting splendid banquets and events dating back to its opening in 1924. Built by local investors at a cost of $1.5 million from plans by noted New York architect W.L. Stoddard, the Francis Marion was the largest and grandest hotel in the Carolinas. The 1920s was the Golden Age of railroads, radio and grand hotels, and the Charleston Renaissance was in full bloom and the Francis Marion Hotel was "the place to be."

Meticulously restored in 1996 with a $12 million National Trust for Historic Preservation award winning restoration, the Francis Marion Hotel now combines 1920′s style and grace with 21st Century comfort and convenience in the heart of historic Charleston on Marion Square. Rising 12 stories, many of the Hotel's 226 guestrooms and suites offer spectacular views of Charleston's historic harbor, church steeples and legendary King Street. The Francis Marion Hotel, with its central downtown location, is an easy walk to the antebellum homes, magnificent gardens, antique shops and boutiques, and world-class restaurants.

Francis Marion, Revolutionary War Hero

Francis Marion is known for his daring raids on the British troupes surrounding Charleston during the Revolutionary War. Although originally commissioned as a Captain, Marion became the leader of a small band of fighters after the surrender of Charleston in 1780. His moniker of the "swamp fox" was given to him by Colonel Banastre Tarleton because his abilities to disappear into the swamps made him impossible for the British to catch. Marion ended his military service at the rank of Brigadier General. After the war Francis Marion served as a senator for the state of South Carolina from 1782-1790.

Some may remember seeing Leslie Nielsen play Francis Marion in the Disney series Swamp Fox. Although it never grew as popular as the Davy Crockett series, Disney produced several episodes about General Marion in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Francis Marion is also one of the historical figures used to create the composite character played by Mel Gibson in the film The Patriot, released in 2000.

Learn More About Francis Marion:

Encarta Article

The Life of General Francis Marion by W.L. Weems

The Charleston Renaissance

From 1915 to 1940 Charleston, South Carolina, was a vibrant community filled with artists, writers, and painters. Not only did local artists come to prominence during this time, but also many national artists, such as Edward Hopper, visited and were influenced by life in Charleston.

Of course - the famous 1920s dance craze, the Charleston, began in the dance halls of its namesake and not only swept the nation, but also defined an era. Another of the long lasting works from the Charleston Renaissance is the story of Porgy and Bess. The novel, written by Dubose Heyward in 1925, went on to become a stage play and later the opera by George Gershwin.

Explore Related Categories