Explore the Chilling History of the Old City Jail in South Carolina

The first time I visited Charleston, South Carolina, it felt like every street I turned down told a story. The history that seeped out of these brick facades and cobbled walkways fascinated me, but sometimes too, chilled me to my core. Take The Old City Jail in Charleston as the perfect example. Built in 1802, this is easily one of the most haunted and historic locations in South Carolina, and its complicated and chilling history is worth taking note of.

Let's dig into the history of the Old City Jail first, to establish how it became one of the most haunted places in the state. After being built, the building operated as a prison until 1939, housing well-known inmates. Some of the most infamous prisoners were held here, including pirates such as Stede Bonnet, the "Gentleman Pirate," and other criminals like the notorious leader of the Pinckney gang, as well as mentally ill patients who were often subjected to inhumane treatments. The building also housed those accused of crimes during the Civil War, and many were executed or died from disease and mistreatment.

Outside of the inmates, the jail was known for having harsh, unlivable conditions, whether from overcrowding, lack of proper care, or poor sanitation and ventilation. This led to numerous deaths within the walls over the years, many of which were avoidable.

Of course, these conditions and the treatment of prisoners over the years spawned many ghost stories and paranormal occurrences. Visitors and tour guides often claim to experience eerie feelings, hear strange noises, and see apparitions. The spirits of those who suffered and died in the jail are said to haunt the building, with many sightings reported of ghostly figures, cold spots, and mysterious sounds. People have also claimed to hear footsteps, and whispering voices, and even see full-body apparitions of former inmates.

While the Old City Jail is no longer operational as a prison, it has become a popular attraction for those interested in Charleston's haunted history. Tours are available within the jail, and visitors can have their pick between a paranormal tour to learn all about the hauntings, or a history tour that focuses more on the prison's past and notorious criminal inmates. Depending on your level of bravery, each tour offers something completely unique and we guarantee you'll walk away learning something new.

Which Charleston tour would you choose: history or haunt? If you have time, why not try both?