In the 1920s, Charleston’s mayor Robert Goodwyn Rhett resided at what is now the historic John Rutledge House Inn. The Mayor was expecting a visit from U.S. President William Taft during his tour of Charleston. Wanting to do something special for the President, Mayor Rhett asked his butler, to “dress up” their typical crab soup. His presidential variation featured orange crab eggs, giving the soup bright color and great taste. Thus, She Crab Soup was born and began a legacy and practical rite of passage for all Charleston foodies.