Vanishing items, like jewelry. Old Charleston Jail - Wikipedia Read more from some of South Carolinas locals and discover whats happening in the Palmetto State. Many of them perished here, either by natural means or by execution. Old Charleston Jail in Charleston, USA - sight map, attraction information, photo and list of walking tours containing this attraction. This tour is not recommended for guests who require canes or walkers. The Fishers were taken to the Old Jail where they awaited trial. Others, have experience unexplained scratches while touring the Old Jails grounds. Thank you for your generous support. Discover the spookier side of Charleston's history on this haunted tour of the Old City Jail. 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. Bulldog Tours: Old Charleston Jail Tour - See 8,913 traveler reviews, 879 candid photos, and great deals for Charleston, SC, at Tripadvisor. Charlestons rich history, fascinating places, people, and landmarks bring with them incredible stories and ghosts! Join our passionate, knowledgeable, licensed tour guides as they explore all things spooky, spectral, and supernatural in Charlestons most haunted and legendary places. May we send you offers from our partners? Tell us in the comments! There was a lot said about the deplorable conditions of the prison which we can all imagine. It remains the largest unrestored property in the city of Charleston's historic district. The tour was fairly short and light on content. I wanted to go because I am fascinated by the history of the building. Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery within the domestic US. Old Charleston Jail Guided tours - GetYourGuide 843.722.8687, Charleston Harbor Tour and Ghost Tour Package. With the accounts of Ross and Peeples, the Police were finally able to imprison the Fishers and their gang. The land the jail was built upon, was specifically set aside for matters of public concern. We all stepped down into the pitch-dark, damp room and suddenly, unexpectedly, my hair stood on end. Tours will go on rain or shine. Bulldog Tours offers a guided, nighttime tour of theOld City Jail in Charleston. We were told to use our ears to hear and sense stuff but the tour guide talked all the time and the tour was in and out without much time for individuals to listen. Everyone enjoyed it. The tour guide was top notch! You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. 2023 GPSMYCITY Inc. All Rights Reserved. Christiane elaborated, One seemed to be standing in front of the other Both have different faces! The unexplainable faces left her to wonder, Could this be John and Lavinia Fisher?. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a FULL refund. Old Charleston Jail, Charleston - Book Tickets & Tours | GetYourGuide It might have been that the temperature was a little colder in there, or it might have been that I had psyched myself up to have such an experience. We enjoyed this Tour greatly! Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Michael Rivera. The prison had been sealed off for months to avoid lead paint contamination, though when the construction workers returned they discovered in the dust, there were human footprints. I think most people want to hear more about hauntings, etc. We cant wait to go on another ghost tour! Another eyewitness (rather living witness) was a man by the name of John Peeples. 18 Old Charleston Jail Romance & special occasions. Today, you can visit the Old Charleston Jail on tours. After dinner, Lavinia would give the traveler a cup of tea, spiked with poison. Book directly on BulldogTours.com or call our office to get the best price on our tours. But I had walked through almost all of the old structure on the Haunted Jail tour with no other feeling like that. Simply contact us or call 843-722-8687 to book. Walk the jail cells and hallways where Charlestons worst criminals lived and died. Come aboard The USS Yorktown and hear the stories of the American Heroes who lived, died, and are still rumored to be here today. Peeples had stumbled upon the Fishers inn, and asked Lavinia for a room. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. Wish it had been a little longer. If you don't have a great experience, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit. Our professional guides are skilled public speakers and work hard to make sure everyone can hear during the tour. Operational between 1802 and 1939, it held many notable figures, among them Denmark Vesey, Union officers during the Civil War, high-seas pirates, and Lavinia Fisher. Bulldog's newest ghost tour, Charleston's most notable cemetery. My daughter and I were on a mother daughter weekend trip! They offer a number of tours including ghost tours, history tours, and food tours. The tour begins outside, and even before you enter the building, the creepiness and, to be honest, the sadness of the building begin to prickle your skin. Thank You! Once, the jail was completed, it stood at an amazing height of four stories, and featured an octagonal tower. It is also commonly referred to as the Old City Jail by the people of Charleston, South Carolina. As seen on Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and The Travel Channel. $4.9 Million Donated to Charleston's Historic Sites. Please email or call us if you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour. We seek to provide you with plenty of stories and legends while keeping a comfortable pace with guests. Read the reviews of your fellow travelers. Access Your Favorites from any Device and Get Suggestions for Upcoming Events. To this very day, many claim the ghost of Lavinia still haunts the Old Jail, with sighting coming about from both locals and tourist alike. But, another type of location that should also come to mind are prisons. As of today, Bulldog Tours has raised $5,103,646 for the preservation of our historic site affiliates in Charleston. How much walking? Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. There was a large amount of time spent by the tour guide talking about the deplorable conditions of the prison, which we can all imagine. The BEST Old Charleston Jail Tours 2023 - GetYourGuide Everyone enjoyed it. And, like Gothams Blackgate Prison, Since, the Old Charleston Jail has existed, it has housed some of the most crazed criminals imaginable. MODERATE Tours will include a more active pace at times including stairs and uneven terrain. Pricing starting at Adult: $37.00 Learning about pirate battles from the likes of Blackbeard and the Gentleman pirates that resided in city as we stop at the Pineapple fountain, south of broad, and the Pink House. In this telling, Lavinia would give the travelers a cup of tea, made only to send the recipient into a deep sleep. Each tour guides route is unique, and will feature a number of stops depending on factors such as their route, the weather, and even your questions! Some of the other, more common ongoings within the Old Jail, include the sounds of the no longer operational dumbwaiter moving between the floors. Ive taken this tour once before and told my boyfriend all the strange and weird things I had heard while in the jail and so he wanted to experience it to. We did our tour at night, so that certainly added to the spookiness. It was a decent tour the guide was very knowledgeable about the jail, however, could've been longer and shown more if the jail. I wanted to go because I am fascinated by the history of the building. The Official Website of the South Carolina Office of Tourism | 2023 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Very much enjoyed our tour with Joy! If you feel your tour guide has provided a great experience, gratuities are encouraged and welcomedat the end of your tour. Schools & University Groups. Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight, Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston). Because there was no glass in the windows then, the weather blew in. Our ghost tours are about 1-1.5 miles in distance, which may vary. 18 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401 843.722-8687 [email protected]. They provided you with equipment for the tour along with an impressive amount of information about the history of not only the jail but the city of Charleston. The tour was fairly short but filled with some great history and some terrifying recent tales! The narrator was an ex homicide detective and very knowledgeable about history, ghost legend and an all around great guide. Google Maps/Victor Shierly You can book your ticket (s) and get other questions answered at this link. The Old Charleston Jail - Your Ghost Stories Definitely worth the tour and hearing the stories of the jail!! We were told to use our ears to hear and sense stuff but the tour guide talked all the time and the tour was in and out without much time for individuals to listen. But, one of the members of the vigilante group was left behind to watch over the neighborhood. (Seriously though, we run in every kind of weather.). Visit eerie spaces such as prisoner cells, hallways and locations where criminals died. Feel the chill from the spirits of former war prisoners in the Provost Dungeon. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. Save time and money with our best price guarantee make the most of your visit to Charleston! That is because it is the home of a large number of churches. Uncover some of the colorful art and music produced by Charleston's African-American community along the way. Once the traveler had drank their tea, and retired to their room for the night. Some tour guides, in fact, refuse to lead tours in the jail anymore. Very informative about the area and building while it was in use. However, Lavinia did not seem to care about atoning for her sins. All of our ghost tours are considered family-friendly. South Carolina accommodations are famous for their beauty and Southern charm. For more information about visiting the Old Charleston Jail, pleae visit the website of the company which offers them. You will receive your first email soon. Old Charleston Jail Ghost & vampire tours - GetYourGuide First established in 18th century, Harleston Village is an old and popular neighborhood in Charleston. With an expert guide, learn about some of Charleston's most notorious criminals, pirates and despicable characters like Lavinia and John Fisher, 19th-century hoteliers who allegedly poisoned their guests. We offer trip protection which ensures a refund within the 24 hours prior to the tour if you need to cancel. Some of the 19th-century high-sea pirates were jailed here while they awaited hanging. Yes, we only offer tours in English at this time. He was well-polished with his stories and the whole thing didn't feel hokey like some of the other ghost tours I have been on. Some of the last 19th-century high-seas pirates were jailed here in 1822 while they awaited hanging. The tour guide said if you stayed quiet and listened you might here things. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Bulldog Tours Walk the jail cells and hallways where Charleston's worst criminals lived and died. As of today, Bulldog Tours has raised $5,103,646 for the preservation of our historic site affiliates in Charleston. You know, the ones she took without the flash, and came out black? Stories that are quintessentially depicted in films like Cool Hand Luke and Escape From Alcatraz, and immortalized in songs like Johnny Cashs Folsom Prison Blues and Bob Dylans Hurricane.. The tour will end at the old city jail which is only 2 blocks away from King St. He really knew his history. Our guide Joy giving a history tour of the Old Charleston Jail at 21 Magazine Street in Downtown Charleston. Most notably were numerous African American soldiers from the 54th Massachusetts Regiment captured after their assault on Fort Wagner in July 1863. Ghost City Tours does not offer tours of the Charleston Jail. If you need to change or modify your tickets, simply call us at 843-722-TOUR (8687). We had our 12 year old with us and she loved it. If you don't have a great tour, let us know and we promise to make it right with a full refund or voucher for a future visit. Throughout the tour you will learn about the history of Pirates and Ghosts in Charleston. Some of the pics she took inside made us realize we were not alone in there!!! The history is fascinating and she made us all feel simultaneously comfortable and creeped out. There was a lot said about the deplorable conditions of the prison which we can all imagine. She informed him that she did not believe they had any vacancies, but invited him in, and offered him a cup of tea. In fact, she could see two images now, images that appeared to be ghostly faces. All right reserved. Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. We enjoyed this Tour greatly! Prebooking means you can visit on the day and time you'd like, and it's easy to fit into your busy schedule. We just had the best nighttime spooky tour of the Old Charleston Jailhouse! Tradition holds that Vesey spent his last days in the tower before being hanged, although no extant document indicates this. This is to say nothing of the types of punishment and discipline used at the prison in that brutal time, gruesome punishments the tour guide described in detail as we stood in the engulfing darkness. Highly recommended!! During the height of the Fishers criminal activity, vigilantes arrived from Charleston to cleanup the Fishers neighborhood of crime. *We will not sell or give away your personal information. This was a great tour. Landmark is currently planning a major renovation and historic preservation effort for the building and property. The Old Charleston Jail is one of the historically significant buildings within the Charleston Old and Historic District. Gather inspiration with trip ideas for planning your next South Carolina vacation. You can read more about Lavinia Fisher. The guard seemingly began to charge towards the workers, before vanishing. The program consisted of multiple interventions of a period of several years, the largest being structural steel towers that were constructed inside the Main Cell Block, the oldest existing portion of the building, and bolted to the surrounding walls to arrest the deterioration of the masonry structure. We loved our tour guide as well. It was a decent tour the guide was very knowledgeable about the jail, however, could've been longer and shown more if the jail. Not long after the citys founding, this four acre lot was set aside not just for a prison, but for other public uses, including, a poor house, a hospital and a workhouse for slaves. Old City Jail (Charleston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 2023 Nous nous sommes promens autour du primtre du btiment la grande dception de mon mari; nous aimons explorer les vieux btiments. Very informative about the area and building while it was in use. The team of Ghost Adventures actually captured video and audio of the spirits trapped within these creepy walls. Advanced purchase is strongly recommended, as tours often sell out well in advance. Her lost soul is just one of the many spirits said to haunt the Old Charleston Jail. A grey and grim castle-like structure in downtown Charleston, the Old City Jail was once home to the citys most disturbed criminals. A woman named Christiane, took a tour of the Old Jail back in 2012, she was joined by her husband, as she was nervous to go on her first ghost tour. Youve been warn. As the execution date neared, John begin to search for penance with the help of the minister, Rev. The tour guide was top notch! To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Check out the full list of Bulldog Tours here. COVID requirements were followed and we felt comfortable and had a wonderful time. The Old Jail was home to a great number of Charleston's most notable inmates, from nineteenth century pirates to Civil War Prisoners of War. Our downtown tours are wheelchair and stroller accessible, but it is advised that all guests take caution navigating the uneven terrain of Charleston. Guide was great, kids were spooked. So you can imagine the vibe here is a bit unnerving and most definitely creepy. The 1886 earthquake badly damaged the tower and top story of the main building, and these were subsequently removed.[1]. 6 Boston. After the rope had cracked, Lavinia was buried in the Old Jails cemetery. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Old Charleston Jail, Charleston - Book Tickets & Tours - GetYourGuide After undergoing restoration, the 220-year-old City Jail is getting ready to once again invite visitors inside its infamous walls. Charleston is steeped in history. I wish we could've taken our time more and walked around by ourselves but other than that, it was great! Exclusive Access to Cemeteries and Graveyards, Antebellum Homes, Cobblestone Streets, Secret Gardens. But maybe that's just me. One of the first modern day reported encounters took place when the prison was undergoing renovations in the year of 2000. Featured on SYFY's Ghost Hunters. But there are some eyewitness accounts. Not a fairy-tale castle, mind you. The Haunted Jail Tour offers a historical and intimidating look into the city's most haunted building: the Old City Jail. 20 Old Charleston Jail Architecture. Lavinia and her husband, John, were owners of the Charleston inn, the Six Mile Wayfarer House. The Haunted Old Charleston Jail and her Ghosts - Ghost City Tours Open In Google Maps. Charleston Parking Discover the spookier side of Charlestons history on this haunted tour of the Old City Jail. A little over 50 years later the jail would undergo a remodelling process in which it gain an additional wing. At three stories in height and smattered with stucco, the building is eerily beautiful. I would recommend for any adults or teens over a certain age. Objects that seemingly move on the own, disembodied voices and ghostly whispers emanating out of thin air, and the ever prosaic, slamming doors. Explore the cells, hallways, and into the places where Charlestons worst criminals lived and died. 9 Page, Arizona. The Old Jail is located at 21 Magazine Street, and is owned by the American College of the Building Arts (who purchased the property back 2000 from the citys Housing Authority). Shortly after he had drifted off to sleep he awoke to the sound of the bed collapsing, taking notice of the Fishers in action, Peeples immediately jumped out of the rooms window, and made his way to Charleston where he informed the authorities. Known far and wide for being one of the most, i. Once the tour was over, she was disappointed as she had seemingly not capture any ghostly images to share with her friends and family, However, when she got home, she began looking through all of the pictures she had taken, as she was uploading some of them to her facebook account. The name was coined in 1973, when preservation efforts began for warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block. John and Lavinia Fisher, and other members of their gang, convicted of highway robbery in the Charleston Neck region were imprisoned here in 1819 to 1820. When one thinks of haunted locations, the first thing that comes to mind are houses, usually followed by cemeteries. Is it a fast paced tour? And as the tour made clear, the conditions there were absolutely awful. For Downtown Tours: Best tour Ive had in Charleston yet. This tour team always does a great job. ACTIVE A high physical activity level is required to walk and climb narrow stairs. Please meet the tour guide at Old City Jail 15 minutes prior to tour time. AboutPressCopyrightContact. Known far and wide for being one of the most, if not the most haunted building in the city, the jail is steeped in history. The guide told dozens of stories of people who had been touched (and in some cases, manhandled) by angry spirits. Lavinia, used her last minute to mock the crowd that came out to see her hang. The Old Charleston Jail is a site of historical and architectural significance in Charleston, South Carolina. Riveting accounts of American Heros who lived and died aboard this historic aircraft carrier. 21 Magazine St. Charleston, SC 29401 Open In Google Maps Tour Overview As seen on Ghost Hunters, Ghost Adventures, and The Travel Channel. 429 Reviews Charleston, United States 45 minutes (approx.) Were happy to arrange private tours or build custom group tours for schools, corporate teams, non-profits, family reunions, and more. Charleston, SC 29401 Great story teller. [4], Tours of the Old Charleston Jail have been available since 2003, and the Jail has become popular with tourists as well as on television. Request your free copy, view the guide online or download a PDF version below. From the time it was built in 1802 until 1939, thousands of men, women, and . [11], Media related to Old Charleston Jail at Wikimedia Commons. We had our 12 year old with us and she loved it. Child (4-12): $27.00 Gratuities for your guide are always appreciated, but never expected. With an expert guide, learn about some of Charlestons most notorious criminals, pirates and despicable characters like Lavinia and John Fisher, 19th-century hoteliers who allegedly poisoned their guests. While her husband pleaded for forgiveness as his final moments approached. When the tour guide announced a few moments later that this was the room with the most reported hauntings and ghost sightings in the old jail, I shivered again. I loved the history aspect of the tour. From 1802 to 2022, the building that once housed some of. 27,213 were here. As they are forever cursed with the label of convict, and the scars of the nightmare life from behind bars. The Old Charleston Jail was originally located on a four-acre parcel set aside for public use in 1680, at the time of Charleston's earliest settlement. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. You can't help but imagine what it must have been like in there 200 years ago while on the tour. He shared his personal experiences with the group which helped the tour feel more authentic. Old Charleston Jail Tour - Great - Review of Bulldog Tours, Charleston The narrator was an ex homicide detective and very knowledgeable about history, ghost legend and an all around great guide. Our tour guide was Zack and he was such a good storyteller and kept your interest the whole hour! We had a tour guide named Bruce who was very knowledgeable in the jails history. Throughout the tour you will learn about the history of Pirates and Ghosts in Charleston. We just had the best nighttime spooky tour of the Old Charleston Jailhouse! During the Civil War, Confederate and Federal prisoners of war were incarcerated here. However, three decades later the earthquake of 1886, damaged the prison so severely that many of the improvements made by Barbot and Seyle, had to be removed. 18 Anson Street, Charleston, SC 29401 Were here to help! 2022 Ghost City, Ghost City Tours. COVID requirements were followed and we felt comfortable and had a wonderful time. Wish it had been a little longer. Do you want to visit the most haunted places that Charleston has to offer? Spirits of not only murderers and pirates, but of the wrongfully convicted, prisoners of war and slaves. [1] While it has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, it remains one of the most notable historic sites in Charleston that has not been the target of a comprehensive preservation and/or renovation effort. Well, upon closer examination she discovered, that those photos were not as black as she had previously thought. Subscribe to our newsletter to be one of the first to step back into one of Charlestons most notorious sites. Tours of the Old Charleston Jail start at $34 for adults and $24 for kids ages 4-12. Some of the pics she took inside made us realize we were not alone in there!!! By Diana_in_VA Our Tour Guide, Shawn, was Amazing! Although we didnt see any ghost or orbs, my 11 year old son and I felt some sharp pricks in one particular room and it wasnt from anxiety or normal nerve sensations!!! A portion of your ticket purchase is invested back into the properties we tour, ensuring that Charlestons most historically significant landmarks, structures, sites, and stories endure. The Old Charleston Jail, or the Old Jail as it is simply known in Charleston, served in the capacity of a prison from 1802 (the year of its construction), till the year of 1939. A squat, hulking, early medieval fortress surrounded by a walled jail yard. Michael with Bulldog Tours was a fantastic guide. Thank you! My son was hoping to feel a ghost, or at the very least, capture the image of a spirit on camera. We believe that recognizing excellent service is a personal matter, though 15-20% of your booking fee is a good rule of thumb. Its amazing how much information there is regarding the jailhouse. We would have loved to learn more and stay longer. He enthusiastically took dozens of photos, seemingly immune to the sad history around us. Want to visit this sight? Old City Jail 4 252 reviews #48 of 228 things to do in Charleston Points of Interest & Landmarks Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying " As advertised! We know that plans can change, thats why we offer one of the most generous cancellation policies in the industry. Lost Souls lingering and lurking around every corner. An Awesome Experience! Otherwise, we recommend parking in a paid lot, parking at the Visitors Center and riding the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), or parking in one of the garages around The City Market. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. 10 Washington, DC. [4], In 2000, the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) acquired the Old Charleston Jail for use as its campus and headquarters. Michael with Bulldog Tours was a fantastic guide. Simply call us at 843-722-TOUR (8687) if you have any additional questions or concerns. Book the most popular Tours in Old Charleston Jail. Highly recommended!! Our guide was great with the perfect mix of history, humor and ghosts. Highly recommend!! The Fishers were able to keep a low profile while the vigilante group was around. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England, this was the first comprehensively planned town in America. It was fun. The tour guide pulls no punches in describing jailhouse conditions, the number of inmates who died or punishments meted out.