The Gateway Walk was opened in April 1930 to coincide with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of Charles Towne. It was named for the ten pairs of wrought iron gates along its course through the city. Landscape architect Loutrel W. Briggs designed the original walk, as well as the 1953 restoration. Landscape architect T. Hunter McEaddy planned the most recent renovations.

The Gateway Walk was The Garden Club of Charleston’s first civic project and was the dream of Mrs. C. P. McGowan, president from 1928 to 1930, after visiting a peaceful garden in Paris.

The walk begins at the gates of St. John’s Lutheran Church on Archdale Street, crosses King Street and Meeting Street, and concludes at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. It opened in 1930 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of Charleston. The club maintains the walk with proceeds from its fundraising projects.