Death and Taxes

18th Century Headstone, Saint Philip's Cemetery, Charleston, SC  © Doug Hickok


Charleston is known for its beautiful 18th century funerary art. Its historic cemeteries feature ornate headstones, such as this one in the graveyard of Saint Philip's Church. The portrait of the woman encircled on this stone displays the fashion of the times. While fashions have changed dramatically over the centuries, a few things have not. Even in 18th century Charleston, citizens could not escape paying taxes nor avoid what we ultimately all must face.