Though Charleston is as old as the original thirteen colonies, dating back to the 17th century, its culture today is as thriving and vibrant as ever.
What continues to elude notice, however, is the dark and haunted side of Charleston. Its bloody past clouds its otherwise bright and busy streets.
Charleston’s seaport, located strategically for both trade and battle, has always attracted traumatic wartime activity. Whether due to the battles on its shores or the slave trade that gave the city its wealth and prominence, historic Charleston is a hub of gruesome activity.
If you find yourself drawn to the more chilling aspects of Charleston’s seaport history on your ventures, then the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon should be your next stop.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is far more than just an old trading post in Charleston’s city center. The iconic structure is also a marker of some of the most disturbing chapters in Charleston’s haunted past.
Historic Trading Post or Haunted Dungeon?
If one were to visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon today, it would be hard to picture the full extent of the disturbing activities that transpired there only a little more than a century ago.
The ornate Georgian structure is deceptive, hiding the fact that the building was a major trading post for slaves brought in through Charleston’s harbor. They say ghosts linger when their deaths transpired in the worst circumstances, and nothing was more horrifying than the Atlantic slave trade that trafficked so many through Charlotte’s ports.
In addition, it also housed prisoners of war, pirates, and some of the city’s most sinister criminals.
Because so many were unfortunate enough to have died in its confines, countless ghosts are reputed to be wandering the halls of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Floating orbs, inexplicable cold drafts, and distant screaming that can’t be traced are common occurrences in the holds.
Though the building itself is beautiful, experiences inside the walls of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon are known to be far eerier than its facade implies.
Haunted Charleston, SC
If you’d like to experience more such chilling ghost lore surrounding the Dungeon and other spooky sites, join US Ghost Adventures on a haunted tour of Charleston. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is just one of many haunted spots that tell the story of this historic city.
About US Ghost Adventures
Since 2013, US Ghost Adventures has offered entertaining, historic, and authentic ghost tours of America’s most haunted cities. We deliver fun yet honest accounts of hauntings across the nation for curious people of all ages. Our ghost stories are based on historical research, but that doesn’t mean they won’t send a chill down your spine.
This video gives you a small taste of what you might experience on your ghost tour — subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more.
US Ghost Adventures also offers virtual tours, a self-guided mobile app, and an Alexa voice app.