In this case, not so much. Charleston was in decline as a seaport long before the Civil War, as my source indicated. Or perhaps you knew that, but didn’t want to admit it.
I have no doubt it was. Why would anyone need to use it? The import taxes there were the same as they were in New York, and it was 800 miles further south. Why would anyone go there?
Well let's say you could make 40% more profit going there. Would that change your mind? I think it would have done for most back in that era.
Or perhaps you knew that, but didn’t want to admit it.
More like I have no idea what you are trying to get at, or why you think the particular condition of Charleston is especially relevant.
Charleston wasn't much of a port prior to secession, but with secession, it would have become greatly more significant. 13% tax versus 45% tax is why Charleston would have taken business from the Northeast. New Orleans would have been the primary beneficiary, but other ports in the South would have benefited as well.