2-324-152 - Curt Teich Postcard Archives/Heritage Images

Historic Dock Street Theatre, Charleston, South Carolina, USA, 1940. Postcard. Exterior view of the Dock Street Theatre in America's most historic city, showing decorative green iron doors and grillwork. This is the site of the first purpose built theatre in the United States, which opened in 1736. The original theatre was destroyed by fire in 1740, and the current building dates from c1809. Although built as the Planters Hotel, it was used by theatre troupes for performances in the 19th century. It is said that John Wilkes Booth, the actor who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln, attempted to kill his manager here in 1838. A stage and auditorium was restored to the building when it was renovated in the 1930s.