Charleston, South Carolina‘s paranormal history comes from a combination of issues and circumstances that shaped its dark and tragic past, dating as far back as the American Revolution in the late 1700s and the slave trade that lasted for over a century past then. The majority of the city’s most haunted locations were once actual sites of imprisonment, execution, and/or other traumatic events. It’s believed that such a sordid story could very well be linked to the residual energy that lingers into modern times. Virtually all significant landmarks have some type of legend or mystery related to them. Also contributing could be a number of natural disasters and battles. Some of the more famous paranormal hotspots are Poogan’s Porch, White Point Garden, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Meeting Street Inn, Dock Street Theatre, Blind Tiger Pub, Circular Congregational Church/Graveyard, and Old City Jail.
Poogan’s Porch is a well-known restaurant located in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District. The former home of sisters Zoe and Elizabeth St. Amand has been serving up warm hospitality and authentic Southern cuisine since 1976. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian home, it’s steeped in Lowcountry tradition — and a few ghostly tales, including its eponymous spectral dog.
White Point Garden is a waterside park along the coastline that once served as a defensive seawall station, with many historical military artifacts scattered about the perimeter. Now a public space for the general public to congregate, the area has a rich military history, as well as long being associated with pirates and other wartime figures. Whether in light or dark, well-documented are the spirits of historical soldiers, civilians, and pirates. Tragedy struck most of these people in the Second Battle of Charleston Harbor, which came to be America’s bloodiest battle carrying the most civilian fatalities.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon is arguably the most well-recognized location in the entire Lowcountry. From its elegantly Georgian appearance to the deeply troubled and haunted basement beneath the street level, it’s been one building which has truly lived Historic Charleston. And, by all accounts, it continues to live in the past every day. Ghosts are said to roam its stately halls, and the startling cries of long-dead prisoners in the dungeon can still be seen and heard today.
Meeting Street Inn is currently a hotel situated on one of the city’s oldest streets. This historic landmark has quite an active history. Originally home of Charleston Theatre, that building was destroyed by fire in 1861. In 1874, a three-story brick building was constructed on the site, and later, in 1981, it was transformed into a hotel that still houses guests today, both living and dead, centered around multiple floors and rooms.
Dock Street Theatre was the first building in America to be built specifically for theatrical performances. It opened in 1736 with a production of “The Recruiting Officer”. While the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1740, the current theater was rebuilt within the shell of the former Planters Hotel, which was constructed on this site in 1809. Its most infamous spirit is the father of Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth.
Blind Tiger Pub is a bar that was named after an illegal practice during Prohibition. Opened in 1992 on Broad Street, the tavern pays homage to the illicit bars that were common in the area as far back as 1893. The building underwent a significant restoration in 2016, aiming to preserve its history and honor past caretakers. It’s also known for its ghostly tales, with some patrons reporting paranormal activity.
Circular Congregational Church was founded by a group of the original settlers of old Charles Town around 1681. The surrounding graveyard is the oldest in town. Some of the monuments date back as far as 1695. The church gets its name from its unique circle-like architecture, which still stands as a beacon of faith within the diverse and cultural Holy City. The building is said to combine 2 powerful formations: the circle on the exterior, which represents the universal symbol of eternity and wholeness, and the Greek Cross on the interior, which is the Christian symbol of death and resurrection. The original congregation was not exclusively of a specific religious denomination. Some of those buried are still believed to walk among us.
Old City Jail was operational between 1802 and 1939. Imprisoned in these walls were many notable figures, including the first female serial killer in America, Lavinia Fisher. The building has undergone extensive renovations since 2016. It’s now an event venue and museum.
