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The power of resilience can be felt throughout the new International African-American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.

The $120 million project, which opened its doors this summer, is no ordinary tourist attraction. The museum is built on scarred and sacred ground: Gadsden's Wharf, the arrival point for nearly half of all enslaved Africans shipped to the U.S.

"We were able to find this outline of what had been a building. And we believe it was one of the main storehouses," said Malika Pryor, the museum's chief learning and engagement officer. "We do know that captured Africans, once they were brought into the wharf, were often in many cases held in these storehouses awaiting their price to increase."

Pryor guided CBS News through nine galleries that track America's original sin: the history of the Middle Passage, when more than 12 million enslaved people were shipped from Africa as human cargo. The exhibits recount their anguish and despair.

"I think sometimes we need to be shocked," she said.

Exhibits at the museum also pay homage to something else: faith that freedom would one day be theirs.

"I expect different people to feel different things," said Tonya Matthews, CEO and president of the museum. "You're going to walk in this space and you're going to engage, and what it means to you is going to be transformational."

By design, it is not a museum about slavery, but instead a monument to freedom.

"This is a site of trauma," Matthews said. "But look who's standing here now. That's what makes it a site of joy, and triumph."

Rep. James Clyburn, South Carolina's veteran congressman, championed the project for more than 20 years. He said he sees it as a legacy project.

"This entire thing tells me a whole lot about how complicated my past has been," he said. "It has the chance of being the most consequential thing that I've ever done."

Mark Strassmann

Mark Strassmann has been a CBS News correspondent since January 2001 and is based in the Atlanta bureau.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Coffee and conversation with Councilmember Peter Shahid took place Saturday morning.

It was Shahid's monthly meeting with residents of West Ashley, where he discussed a proposed plan to build a civic center and public space on Sumar Street. This dates back to last week when Shahid proposed a development idea from Plan West Ashley. This alternative brought some West Ashley neighbors to love the idea, while others still aren't entirely sure.

"They should proceed with caution so we don't make any mistakes," Nelson Springer, a West Ashley resident, said. "It is a high-traffic area. The lights and crossroads need to be looked at carefully."

Read more: Berlin G Myers Parkway traffic shifts delayed due to rain, rescheduled by SCDOT.

Councilmember Peter Shahid discusses proposed civic center plan with West Ashley residents (WCIV)

Those in support are all for growth and renewal.

"It is time to plant the seed and allow this to grow," Jackie Morfesis said. "More can be added in the future, but what we need now is to start the momentum. We deserve the civic center."

Shahid maintains that it is a space that would fulfill a community's needs.

Read more: Dorchester School District Two announces consolidated bus stops for 2023-2024 school year.

"It would be a development for the city council to meet," Shahid said. "[A place for] neighborhood associations and city boards and an opportunity for culture events, Spoleto, along with an outdoor venue."

Also, Shahid explained that he is working with the county government and the South Carolina Department of Transportation to ensure that safer roadways are coming.

"The county adopted a plan to make improvements on suicide merge along Sam Tirttenburg and orange grove," Shahid said. "It has been approved now we're waiting on funding to take place.

Read more: Moncks Corner Elementary second grader wins National Park Service award.

He also emphasized that Plan West Ashley is the way to get development started.

"This plan is consistent with what Plan West Ashley calls for," Shahid said. "It's a good idea to have a civic center for the good and public benefit."

The next development meeting is in August. Then, the council will vote on Sumar Street's recommendations.

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Two of the Charleston region’s largest housing developments and another neighborhood near Beaufort rank among the 50 top-selling, master-planned communities in the nation, but two of them saw home sales dip during the first half of 2023 as rising mortgage interest rates and a dearth of houses​​​​​​​ cut into transactions.

Both of the Charleston-area developments are in booming Berkeley County.

Cane Bay and Nexton made the list by RCLCO Real Estate Advisors for the most home sales from January through June in master-planned developments. Also on the list is Latitude Margaritaville-Hilton Head in the lower part of the state at Hardeeville.

Cane Bay, which has made the list for several years running, came in at No. 14 with 425 sales, down 19 percent from the first half of last year. Nexton ranked No. 36 with 264 sales, down 14 percent. Latitude Margaritaville came in at No. 40 with 241 residential transactions, up 3 percent.

About 10,000 homes are planned for the 4,500-acre Cane Bay tract off U.S. Highway 176. The neighboring 2,000-acre Wildcat Tract was bought by Cane Bay developer Gramling Brothers Real Estate & Development in 2016 and will have 5,700 homes at build-out. The two tracts are both part of the overall Cane Bay development.

The combined tracts had about 7,000 homes on the ground at the end of 2022, according to spokeswoman Kelly Gramling.

Just south of the Cane Bay tract is Nexton. The 5,000-acre development made its debut on the list for the first time in 2020 at No. 49, according to Maryland-based RCLCO.

Near the end of 2022, Nexton had 2,150 occupied homes and 1,500 occupied apartments. Another 250 homes and 600 apartments were under construction, according to a Nexton spokeswoman. At full buildout, Nexton will have 7,500 residences.

Together, Cane Bay and Nexton will bring more than 23,000 new homes to the Lowcountry when completed if all of the approved houses are built.

At 2.5 people per household, the two communities, both almost entirely in unincorporated areas, will have 58,000 residents. That’s more than the town of Summerville, the state’s seventh-largest municipality, has now.

The No. 1 master-planned community based on estimated sales continues to be The Villages, a community between Orlando and Ocala, Fla., with 1,960 transactions during the year’s first half.

Seventeen of the top 50 are in Florida, but Texas has the most, with 21. Together, they make up about 76 percent of the top 50 master-planned communities.

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The stretch of road between Morrison Drive and Spruill Avenue on Charleston’s upper peninsula has seen several new developments​​​​​​​ in recent years. Many more are on the way.

3: Number of new coffee shops planned in the Charleston area by a NC-based firm.

7: Number of new restaurants planned from Charleston to Beaufort.

8,500: Square footage leased by first tenant in a refurbished 85,000-square-foot office/flex building in North Charleston.

+ Changing hands: Charleston pub is now under new ownership.

+ Strip center sale: A fully occupied building in the growing Foxbank area of Moncks Corner now has a new owner.

+ Designs on Charleston: A Houston-based architecture and engineering firm​​​​​​​ has set up its 20th global office in the Charleston area.

SC plantation on the market for nearly $15M

Dover Plantation sits south of Georgetown on nearly 1,000 acres next to Winyah Bay. It’s listed for $14.75 million by Montana-based Hall and Hall and its Southeast affiliate The Wings Group. Hall and Hall/Provided

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An 85,000-square-foot building combining office and “flex” space in North Charleston has landed its first tenant after being fully renovated.

RXO, a transportation and logistics company, recently leased about 8,500 square feet in Port 26 at 2155 Eagle Drive next to Interstate 26.

Charlotte-based Redline Property Partners bought the building for $6.2 million in 2021 and recently completed its makeover.

The renovation included the exterior, common areas and restrooms. Also the entrances and lobby areas were redesigned, while lounges, outdoor patios and a dog park were added.

Changing hands

A West Ashley pub and grill is now under new ownership.

Robert Hills recently bought Trayce’s Too at 2578 Ashley River Road from Rejean Gregorie, according to Jim Moring with restaurantbrokers.info. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Strip center sale

A 9,000-square-foot strip retail center in southern Moncks Corner recently sold for $3.7 million.

Belle Oaks 4425 LLC bought the property at 116 Foxbank Plantation Blvd. that houses Mexican restaurant Cinco de Mayo, Roper St. Francis ATI Physical Therapy and the salon iNails. The previous owner of the nearly 0.99-acre site was Foxbank Retail I LLC.

The property is near the rapidly developing juncture of U.S. Highway 52 and Cypress Gardens Road, where several new businesses, homes and apartments have been built.

Designs on Charleston

A Houston-based architecture and engineering firm now has 20 offices across the U.S., Mexico and Middle East after opening an office in Charleston.

Page Southerland Page, commonly called Page, recently opened in the 22 WestEdge office building in the WestEdge development near Lockwood Drive on the peninsula.

The company cites its design expertise in fields of academic, health care and historic preservation.

Sarah Walter, a Charleston native and Clemson University graduate, moved from Atlanta to lead the new downtown office as managing director.

“Charleston is growing at such an incredible pace, and I’m excited to be practicing in my home state and to have the opportunity to help shape that growth in a positive way,” Walter said.

Some of Page’s local projects include a seismic evaluation for the historic Charleston Customhouse, the North Charleston VA Clinic and the Medical University of South Carolina emergency department for children.

With plenty of secret alleyways and hidden gems, Charleston, South Carolina, is best explored on foot. To take in the Holy City's deep history, rich cuisine and vibrant scenery, slow down and see all the top attractions with a walking tour. U.S. News gathered 10 of the best walking tours in Charleston by consulting both traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Lace up your walking shoes and start exploring.

Let longtime locals lead the way on a trip with Two Sisters Tours. On this two-hour history tour, sibling guides take you through the charming streets their family has called home for seven generations. You'll hear tales of Charleston's famous historical characters and the events that have shaped the city. Along the excursion – which explores about 18 city blocks – you'll pass signature landmarks, including St. Michael's Church and Rainbow Row. Reviewers love the informative guides and the "insider's perspective" they share as Charlestonians, as well as the tour's scenic route. Tourgoers also appreciate that guides don't sugarcoat Charleston's role in the American slave trade.

Tours run at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. There is an additional weekday tour at 2 p.m., weather permitting. Tickets start at $25 per person; reservations are required.

From fried green tomatoes and collard greens to sweet tea and barbecue, Lowcountry cuisine is an integral element of the Charleston dining scene. On this 2 1/2-hour walking food tour, a local guide will take you and up to 11 other participants on a journey through the city to learn its history while making sure your inner foodie is fully satisfied. In total, you'll visit three restaurants and two specialty shops. Reviewers rave about the informative experience and variety of samples, as well as the helpful tour guides. Many suggest booking this tour for one of your first days in Charleston so you can make use of the guide's recommendations throughout the rest of your trip.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tickets cost approximately $90 per person and cover all tastings and water. Hungry for more? Bulldog Tours also hosts a walking tour dedicated to the restaurants and museums within the South of Broad neighborhood, such as the Edmondston-Alston House.

Stroll through Charleston's picturesque alleys with the help of Lowcountry Walking Tours. During this two-hour tour, your guide will lead you through the network of lush (and often hidden) passages. Throughout the tour, you'll hear the historical anecdotes that tie the streets together. You'll visit between four and six alleyways within the historic district, as well as some other points of interest. Reviewers love the architectural angle and the charismatic, insightful guides.

Tickets cost approximately $30 per person. Tours depart at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. When you're ready to see more, the company also hosts tours of historic downtown Charleston.

Did you know that Charleston's buildings feature every style of architecture? On this two-hour tour, your guide will teach you the city's vibrant history through its architecture. St. Philips Church, the Nathaniel Russell House and the Miles Brewton House are among the sights you'll learn about along the approximately 1.5-mile walk. Reviewers applaud the enthusiastic and accommodating guides and recommend the tour even for those who may not consider themselves architecture buffs.

While the cost is on a pay-what-you-like basis, there is a $3 administration fee per ticket and reservations are required. Tours are generally offered Monday and Thursday; exact times vary by day. Free Tours by Foot also hosts walking tours focused on ghost stories and the Civil War.

See Charleston through the eyes of a local with Charleston Sole Walking Tours. Brian Simms, a 10th-generation Charlestonian, or a member of his team will take you on a two-hour tour of the city. You'll stroll through hidden alleys and tree-lined streets to iconic landmarks and sites of famous Charleston historic events. Sights include St. Michael's Church, Rainbow Row, the Dock Street Theatre and the Old Slave Mart Museum. Your guide will go beyond the usual textbook tour, which reviewers love, and give you a rich walking layout of the city.

Tickets start at $30 for adults and $20 for children 6 to 12. Tours run at 9:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Charleston Sole also offers private and group tours.

Satisfy your inner history buff with Walks of Charleston. On this roughly two-hour tour, you'll visit sites that date back to before the Civil War and Charleston's modern renaissance, including City Hall, the French Quarter and the Battery. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the city's founding, as well as insights into several of its signature buildings. Reviewers love the energy of the guides and the insider knowledge. If you're visiting Charleston in the summer, travelers recommend a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

Tours are offered multiple times daily starting at 9:30 a.m. Tickets start at $25 per adult and $18 per child ages 6 to 12. Tickets for children 5 and younger are free. Walks of Charleston also hosts tours of the city's alleys and private tours with custom experiences.

Charleston is full of haunted tales, and there's no better way to acquaint yourself with the city's ghosts than on a walking tour. On this 80-minute excursion, a guide will lead you around the historic district past dusk to regale you with legends and supernatural occurrences derived from "The Ghosts of Charleston" book. During the evening stroll, you'll enter the Unitarian Church graveyard, a site that dates back to the late 1700s. Reviewers rave about the graveyard's eerie atmosphere and the educational, engaging tour guides. They also say this experience is suitable for families with kid ages 10 and older.

Tours are offered at 7:30, 8:30, 9 and 9:30 p.m. nightly. Tickets cost approximately $35 per adult and $25 for students with an ID; discounts are also available for seniors and members of the military. For a less spooky tour of the Holy City, consider the company's The Lost Stories of Black Charleston Tour.

If you're looking to experience Charleston through your taste buds, allow Charleston Culinary Tours to oblige. On this 2 1/2-hour walking tour of the French Quarter and City Market, you'll experience the city's food and beverage scene with the help of a knowledgeable foodie guide. Stop into four local restaurants and learn about culinary history while sampling classic Lowcountry flavors. Reviewers love the samples of local cuisine and the historical tidbits from the knowledgeable guides.

Tours are offered multiple times a day (as early as 10 a.m. and as late as 4 p.m., depending on the day). Tickets cost approximately $85 per person. The company runs a variety of other tours, including a culinary tour of upper King Street.

Let a history professor from The Citadel, a military college, show you around Charleston on this 2.5-hour tour. Led by Eric Lager, who has a doctorate in history, the tour covers everything from Charleston's founding in 1670 to the creation of the historic district in 1931. During the approximately 1.5-mile walk along the city's famous cobblestone streets, you'll pass by sites like the Heyward-Washington House, Huguenot Church, Fort Sumter and more. Travelers highly recommend this tour, praising its pace, the size (groups are limited to 10 people) and the passionate guide.

Tours are generally offered Monday through Friday at 2 p.m., though an additional 9:30 a.m. may be offered depending on the day. Ticket costs start at $35 for adults and $20 for kids age 7 to 17.

Walk through the French Quarter and South of Broad neighborhoods on this approximately two-hour tour that offers plenty of sightseeing, in addition to a history lesson. As you stroll past sights like Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon and more, you'll learn about Charleston's history, architecture, economics and geography. Travelers applaud the tour guides for their personable, humorous and thought-provoking delivery, as well as their storytelling abilities. Reviewers say this tour is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to Charleston.

The Highlights of Charleston Tour is available daily as early as 9 a.m. and as late as 3 p.m., depending on the day. Tickets start at $30 for adults and $10 for kids. Oyster Point Historic Walking Tours also runs a tour designed for visitors interested in the best photo spots around town; it's available by reservation only.