In 1815, Jehu Jones, Sr. establishes the Jones Hotel at 71 Broad Street, described as “the finest hotel in Charleston.” Born a slave, Jones purchased his freedom in 1798. Subsequently, Jones established his own tailor business and was so successful that in 1802 he was able to invest in real estate in Charleston and Sullivan’s Island. By 1816, Jones and his wife were devoting their full energies to operating the hotel.