Charleston: Downtown Evening Haunted History Carriage Tour

Charleston’s downtown evening haunted history carriage tour invites visitors to uncover the city’s dark past. Guests embark on a chilling journey, exploring eerie landmarks like the Provost Dungeon and the Circular Church graveyard, where tales of ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena linger. As the tour weaves through the labyrinth of Charleston’s historic streets, it offers a unique glimpse into the haunting history that continues to captivate the heart of this Southern city. With an immersive experience that blends the macabre and the captivating, the tour promises to leave a lasting impression on those brave enough to uncover Charleston’s darkest secrets.

Key Points

• Tour Charleston’s historic downtown at night, exploring haunted landmarks like the Four Corners of Law and the Old Exchange Building’s Provost Dungeon.
• Hear eerie tales of ghostly sightings, unexplained phenomena, and the city’s dark history of slavery, yellow fever, and Civil War destruction.
• Visit the Circular Church graveyard, where the restless spirits of yellow fever victims are said to linger.
• Experience the unsettling atmosphere of the Charleston City Market, known for unexplained noises and ghostly encounters.
• Discover the haunting secrets of Waterfront Park, where disembodied footsteps and a shadowy figure believed to be a former slave have been reported.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Charleston’s Dark History

Charleston’s dark history is intricately woven throughout the city’s centuries-old streets and landmarks. The port city’s prosperous past was often overshadowed by the horrors of slavery, yellow fever epidemics, and tragic events that left indelible marks on its legacy.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Charleston’s thriving slave trade left a devastating impact on countless lives.

The city also witnessed the devastating effects of yellow fever outbreaks, which killed thousands.

On top of that, the Civil War brought destruction and sorrow, with the city’s historic buildings and infrastructure bearing the scars of battle.

Despite its many triumphs, Charleston’s past is inextricably linked to these darker chapters, which continue to haunt the city to this day.

Haunted Landmarks of Downtown

As visitors explore the historic streets of downtown Charleston, they uncover a tapestry of haunted landmarks that whisper tales of the city’s darker past.

From the eerie echoes of the Old Exchange Building’s Provost Dungeon to the unsettling presence felt in the Circular Church graveyard, Charleston’s supernatural side is woven into the very fabric of its renowned landmarks.

The Four Corners of Law, where four historic buildings meet, is said to be a hotspot for unexplained activity. Likewise, the Charleston City Market, with its labyrinth of alleys and corridors, has long been rumored to harbor ghostly entities.

Throughout the Old Walled City and Waterfront Park, ghostly sightings and unexplained phenomena continue to captivate and unnerve visitors.

Eerie Tales of Charleston

One eerie tale that has long captivated visitors to Charleston involves the haunting of the Old Provost Dungeon, located within the historic Old Exchange Building. This former prison is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who were once held and tortured there during the Colonial era. Guests on the haunted history tour often report feeling an unsettling presence and hearing the echoes of anguished cries.

Another chilling legend surrounds the graveyard at the Circular Church, which is believed to be the final resting place of numerous yellow fever victims from the 19th century epidemics. Visitors have described seeing ghostly figures roaming the cemetery at night and hearing disembodied voices calling out from the shadows.

Exploring the City Market

The Charleston City Market, a beloved landmark dating back to the early 19th century, serves as a captivating starting point for the haunted history tour. Visitors can explore the bustling marketplace, perusing locally-crafted wares and learning about its role in Charleston’s vibrant past.

The market’s eerie atmosphere evokes a sense of the macabre, as guests uncover its dark secrets:

• The market’s nighttime closure, when the vendors depart and the building is left to the lingering spirits of the past.
• Unexplained noises and ghostly sightings that have been reported by security guards and late-night visitors.
• The market’s proximity to the historic district, where many of Charleston’s most haunted locations can be found.

More Great Tours Nearby

Four Corners of Law

From the eerie City Market, the haunted history tour moves on to the Four Corners of Law, a significant intersection in Charleston’s historic district that represents the convergence of different legal authorities. At this crossroads, the federal courthouse, city hall, county courthouse, and episcopal church all stand as symbols of the judicial, executive, and religious powers that have shaped Charleston’s history.

Building	Legal Authority
Federal Courthouse	U.S. Federal Government
City Hall	Municipal Government
County Courthouse	Local County Government
Episcopal Church	Religious Establishment

This powerful intersection reflects the complex web of laws and jurisdictions that have governed Charleston over the centuries, contributing to the city’s rich and sometimes haunting past.

Waterfront Park’s Ghostly Secrets

As visitors stroll through Charleston’s Waterfront Park, they may be unaware of the ghostly secrets that linger within this picturesque setting along the Ashley River. The park’s serene beauty belies a dark past, with tales of tragic deaths and restless spirits.

The eerie sounds of disembodied footsteps and whispers have been reported near the park’s seawall, where a young woman is said to have drowned herself in the 19th century.

A shadowy figure, believed to be the ghost of a former slave, has been spotted wandering the grounds, a reminder of Charleston’s complex and sometimes troubling history.

The peaceful gardens and walking paths aren’t immune to the paranormal, with visitors occasionally reporting a sense of unease and the feeling of being watched.

Old Exchange Building’s Dungeon

Beneath the stately façade of Charleston’s Old Exchange Building lies the Provost Dungeon, a chilling relic of the city’s colonial past.

This underground prison once held captive Colonial Patriots, pirates, and other political prisoners, their cries of anguish now echoing through the shadowy chambers.

Visitors to the dungeon can see the original iron shackles and manacles that confined these unfortunate souls, as well as the damp, oppressive atmosphere that must have weighed heavily on their spirits.

The Provost Dungeon stands as a somber reminder of Charleston’s tumultuous history, its dark secrets waiting to be uncovered by those brave enough to venture into its depths.

Graveyard at Circular Church

The sprawling graveyard surrounding Charleston’s Circular Church stands as a somber testament to the city’s long and complex history, its weathered tombstones bearing witness to the lives of generations past. Visitors to the site can’t help but feel a palpable sense of reverence and melancholy as they wander among the graves, many of which date back to the 18th century.

The graveyard is home to a number of notable historical figures, including several prominent members of Charleston’s colonial-era elite.

Many of the gravestones feature intricate carvings and inscriptions that offer glimpses into the beliefs and values of the individuals laid to rest.

The eerie silence and solemnity of the graveyard can send a chill down the spine, hinting at the haunting histories that linger in this hallowed ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Typically Start?

The tour typically starts in the evening, though the exact start time may vary. Many such haunted history tours are scheduled in the evenings to take advantage of the atmospheric conditions associated with nighttime.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. The carriage company offers easy loading and handicap accessible carriages, allowing all guests to enjoy the 45-minute haunted history tour of Charleston’s streets.

Do the Guides Provide Any Historical Context?

The guides on this tour provide historical context about Charleston’s dark past, sharing tales of the city’s haunted sites and eerie legends as they take visitors through the streets in a horse-drawn carriage.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour operator offers the option to book the tour for a private group. The carriages can accommodate small to medium-sized groups, and the guides can tailor the experience to the group’s specific interests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour operator offers the option to extend the tour duration beyond the standard 45-minute experience. Additional time can be booked at an extra cost per person for a more in-depth haunted history exploration of Charleston.

Recap

Charleston’s haunted history carriage tour offers visitors a chilling glimpse into the city’s dark past.

From the eerie echoes of the Provost Dungeon to the unsettling presence in the Circular Church graveyard, the tour immerses guests in the haunting tales that continue to linger in the heart of Charleston.

You can check availability for your dates here: