The Reimagining of a public space with 200 years of history.

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. One of the first railroads in North America to be chartered and constructed, it provided the first steam-powered, scheduled passenger train service in the United States

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. 

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) 

Interstate 26 begins construction in Columbia, and progresses towards Charleston. The segment through downtown Charleston is one of the last to be completed, with over 150 homes and businesses demolished to make room for the new highway. 

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. 

The rail line is used for the last time to transport newsprint for the Post and Courier newspaper. 

After years of negotiations, the City of Charleston and the Friends of the 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?) 

Conceptual Master Plan is approved unanimously by Charleston City Council

Charleston City Council approves funding for design and construction of the Lowline. Phase 1A of the Lowline will include the completion of the 1.6 mile-in length path, running from Mt. Pleasant Street to Line Street, a central park space, and 3 revenue generating parking lots.

With the groundbreaking anticipated for late 2025, the City maintains that the park will be complete in 2026. The Friends of Lowline have now launched a campaign to continue to raise funds towards park amenities for a performance pavilion, cafe kiosk, punlic art and sports courts.