Upon establishing the new Carolina colony in 1670, the Lords Proprietors named its capital Charles Town in honor of King Charles II, who, in appreciation for their helping him regain the English throne, granted these eight noblemen all the land between Virginia and St. Augustine, Fla., and west to the Pacific Ocean.

Charles is remembered as the “Merry Monarch,” illustrative of his joie de vivre, embracing theater, the arts, numerous mistresses, good food and wine — and horse racing. His passion for the latter lives on today in his namesake city through the upcoming Steeplechase of Charleston races.

Though horse racing existed long before Charles’ reign, historians credit him for elevating it to the “Sport of Kings.” The British Flat Racing Hall of Fame notes, “His contributions to the

See Full Page