Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Charleston

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, Charleston (must see)

A public building has occupied the site at East Bay and Broad Streets since Charles Towne's relocation from its original settlement in 1680. The early settlers constructed a court of guard on this spot, using the lower level to imprison pirates and Native Americans, while holding town meetings in the upper hall. The British later erected the current building with striking Palladian architecture to make a grand statement in the bustling colonial port. Completed in 1771, the Exchange quickly became the social, political, and economic center of the growing city. From its steps, the independent colony of South Carolina was officially declared in March 1776.

During the Revolutionary War, the building was transformed into a British prison where signers of the Declaration of Independence were held. In 1788, the convention to ratify the U.S. Constitution convened at the Exchange, and President Washington was lavishly entertained here during his Southern tour. From 1815 to 1896, the Exchange served as both the Charleston post office for the Federal and Confederate governments. An excavation of the dungeon in 1965 revealed part of Charles Towne's original seawall, dating as early as 1698.

Now a National Historic Landmark, the building is open to the public as a museum and offers two halls available for private events. Guided tours, led by costumed guides on each floor, include a visit to the Provost Dungeon, where tales of pirates and colonial days come to life. The experience is both entertaining and educational, shedding light on the building's history and Charleston's unique past. If exploring a real dungeon is high on your bucket list, this place is a must-visit!

Tip:
Aside from delving into the property's rich history, there are engaging activities to enjoy, such as reenactments of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 1700s.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Charleston Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Charleston, South Carolina

Create Your Own Walk in Charleston

Creating your own self-guided walk in Charleston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Harleston Village Walking Tour

Founded in the 18th century, the historic Harleston Village is a charming neighborhood in Charleston, South Carolina. The rich past and vibrant present of this area make it a popular destination for tourists.

At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

French Quarter Walking Tour

A historic district in downtown Charleston, The French Quarter is named so for the high concentration of French merchants that once lived in the area and left their mark on it. The name was coined in 1973, when preservation efforts began for warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block. That same year the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The busy neighbourhood... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles

Historical Houses Tour

Charleston is steeped in history. Walking the colorful, narrow cobblestone streets of one of America's oldest towns, with its stunningly preserved colonial homes, you can see its story play out before your eyes practically everywhere you turn. Indeed, Charleston is among the most celebrated places in the U.S. to explore fine examples of American architecture and its progression through time.
... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles

Charleston Introduction Walking Tour

A popular tourist destination and a major port city in South Carolina, Charleston is fit to impress anyone with its Southern charm, friendliness, and rich history. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England, this was the first comprehensively planned town in America.

The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Downtown Historical Churches Tour

Charleston, South Carolina, is also sometimes called the 鈥淗oly City.鈥� This is due to the large number of churches found here. Needless to say, the most fascinating of them are concentrated in the Downtown area, each with its unique charm and significance.

Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

51爆料网