Charleston's Women Aldermen and Council Members, 1924-Present

City of Charleston, South Carolina

The 1783 charter of the City of Charleston provided for a form of government that generally existed in cities during the colonial era. From 1783 to 1808, the city was divided into thirteen wards, each represented by a warden elected annually; the intendant was elected from the wardens. The city elected wardens and intendants until 1836. The city elected a mayor and aldermen from 1836 through 1975. The city has elected a mayor and council members from 1975 to the present. Eleven women have held the office of alderman or city council member in the city’s 231-year history as an incorporated body.