Presidents' Day offers a chance to reflect on the leaders who have shaped the United States, and Charleston has played host to many. From George Washington to Donald J. Trump, thirteen presidents have walked the Holy City's streets. Given that today is Valentine's Day, this story stands out for its unique charm. As anyone who knows Charleston understands, our city possesses an irresistible allure – beautiful, romantic, and utterly captivating.

JFK and Inga Binga

One of the most intriguing pre-presidency visits to Charleston occurred in 1942, involving none other than John F. Kennedy. At just 24 years old, John Kennedy was a new ensign in the Navy when his sister, Kick, introduced him to Inga Arvad, a colleague at the Washington Times-Herald. A former Danish beauty queen, Inga had notably been granted an interview with Hitler and was his guest during the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.

At 28, Inga was married and had already raised suspicions with the FBI, having been identified as a potential spy. In November 1941, she began a romantic relationship with John Kennedy, which drew the attention of J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover so disliked John's father, Joseph Kennedy Sr, former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, that he sought to have John ousted from the United States Navy. Instead young Kennedy was transferred to Charleston, where he took on a desk job in January 1942.

Throughout their time apart, the couple maintained a close correspondence; Inga affectionately called him "Honeysuckle," while Kennedy playfully referred to her as "Inga Binga." Inga visited Kennedy in Charleston three times, during which they stayed twice at the Fort Sumter Hotel (now the Fort Sumter House at 1 King Street) and once at the Francis Marion Hotel at King and Calhoun.

Hoover, determined to remove Kennedy from the navy, monitored the couple’s relationship closely. He ordered them to be followed, photographed, and even had their hotel rooms wired tapped during their visits. Allegedly, young Kennedy's father, Joseph Kennedy, Sr., learning of the dilemma intervened, calling Hoover and reportedly said, "For God's sake, don't do that—just get him as far away from that woman as possible." As a result, John was soon deployed to the Pacific, and as time went on, his romance with Inga began to wane.

Despite Hoover's suspicions, there was never any evidence to support the claim that Inga was a spy. Ultimately, when John decided to run for a congressional seat, Inga wisely chose to step back from the relationship.

Fort Sumter House

Fort Sumter Hotel

The Fort Sumter Hotel opened its doors in 1923 as Charleston's first luxury hotel on the waterfront, operating until 1974 when it was converted into condominiums. Did you know that the first floor featured a beauty salon, a gift shop, a lounge known as the Pink Coat Room, and a terrace dining room? I personally wish all of those amenities still existed—it would be incredibly convenient for those of us who live within walking distance.

Advertisements from the era highlighted special rates for families and bachelors, with accommodations for traveling men costing just $2.50 for a room and a bath. It's fascinating to think about the vibrant social scene that once thrived in such a historic location!

Fort Sumter House Today