Charleston, South Carolina is well-known for many things – its large sprawling moss-covered oak trees, its beautifully preserved colonial homes and churches, the incredible southern food and seafood spots, and some of the most photogenic locations in the south – just to name a few. Charleston is also known to be one of America’s most historic cities with a rich history that dates back three centuries. It is a city shaped almost entirely by its past; a past that has demonstrated its ability to build beauty from ashes, time and again, proving the indomitable spirit of its people.

Founded in 1670 by English settlers, and originally named Charles Towne, the coastal city quickly became a busy seaport and central hub for commerce, with most of its trade in rice, indigo, and cotton. It was also a major slave trading port – almost half of all slaves transported to America arrived at the Port of Charleston. While this active seaport created a flourishing economy for the city and its residents, it also brought with it many misfortunes, dangers, and diseases. In addition, Charleston played a significant role in both the Revolutionary and Civil wars.

With all that has taken place here in Charleston over the past three centuries, it has no doubt left an indelible mark on the city; one that can still be felt today. Largely, the imprint left is the legacy itself and how that has shaped the Charleston of today, but also, the echo of the pain and suffering felt throughout its history that is present in the countless ghost stories and tales of encounters with souls lost in time.

Here are 5 historically significant locations in Charleston that are also rumored by locals to be haunted by the memories of its past:

PINK HOUSE

History: Built in the 17th century, the Pink House is one of the oldest existing structures in Charleston. While many of the city’s original buildings have been destroyed over the years, the Pink House has survived two wars, countless hurricanes and catastrophic fires, and two major earthquakes. Originally used as a tavern and brothel, the Pink House was popular with boozing sailors and hustling pirates traveling to the port. It would later serve as an art gallery and then a law firm during the 20th century. 

Spooky story: Over the years, there have been many rumors of ghostly encounters inside the Pink House, and the alley that runs along the building is also said to be a hotbed of paranormal activity. One of the most commonly reported sightings is of a female apparition walking up and down the stairs and hallways. Some believe this to be the spirit of the infamous pirate, Anne Bonny. Other visitors have claimed seeing windows opening and closing violently and sensing someone breathing on, and even touching, them.

Legacy: Today, the Pink House is privately owned and in the process of being repaired and converted into a single-family home. However, if you walk down the cobblestones to where it stands on Chalmers Street, it almost feels – for a moment – like stepping back in time. Even amongst its colonial-style neighbors, the Pink House stands out as a striking testament to the three hundred years of history that has taken place in that very spot. 

OLD CHARLESTON JAIL

History: The Old Charleston Jail, known to locals as the Old City Jail, is both a site of historical significance as well as a unique and impressive piece of architecture with its Romanesque Revival details. According to Bulldog Tours, before the jail was constructed on the one block parcel reserved for public use, the land was used for almost one hundred years as a place to bury the dead of all those who could not afford a churchyard burial. This included the poor, new immigrants that didn’t establish a church affiliation, criminals, and at that time, both free and enslaved people of color. 

It served as the Charleston County Jail from 1802-1939, having held jailed high-seas pirates awaiting hanging, as well as Union officer prisoners-of-war during the Civil War. It was also known to have housed some of Charleston’s most infamous criminals, such as 19th century free black pastor Denmark Vesey who was convicted of planning a major slave revolt and later hanged; in addition to high-profile inmates John and Lavinia Fisher, outlaws and members of a large gang of highwaymen who were convicted of robbery and murder and subsequently executed for their crimes. The jail was decommissioned in 1939 and has, for the most part, remained vacant in the years since. 

Spooky story: The jail was used for walking tours beginning in 2003 and has since gained notoriety as an attraction for ghost tours. It has even been featured in several television shows, including Travel Channel and Ghost Hunters. The jail was eventually decommissioned after over 100 years in use, primarily because it was too expensive for the government to make the necessary changes to bring it up to what was considered humane standards for a jail in the 1930s. It was considered one of the most inhumane jails in the country at that time, with prisoners having no access to electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing. Overcrowding of the jail was so prevalent that it was often listed as the cause of death for many who died within its walls. It is rumored that the jail is haunted by many of those who perished while incarcerated there, and several reports of being physically grabbed and scratched during ghost tours. Also, having been hanged outside the jail, Lavinia Fisher is said to haunt the grounds as well, with tourists claiming to have seen her apparition.

Legacy: After decades of poor maintenance and care, the Old City Jail was a large historic structure on the verge of collapse when it was purchased by a local development firm in 2016. Today, the jail is undergoing a $15,000,000 historic renovation project, with plans to rehabilitate and convert the jail into a multi-tenant office building, while maintaining and preserving the building’s original character. According to Bulldog Tours, once the project is complete, the owners plan to allow public access to the space for continued historical tours and ghost tours. While it may look different, its historical significance will remain as a reminder and monument to the city's lost voices from a darker time.

WATCH THE LIVELY CHARLESTON VIDEO ON THE HAUNTED HISTORY OF CHARLESTON!

UNITARIAN CHURCH CEMETERY

History: Built in 1772, the Unitarian Church in Charleston is the oldest Unitarian church in the south and the second oldest church building in the city of Charleston. It was originally built as a second meeting house for the Independent Church in Charleston. However, it wasn’t used as a church until after the Revolutionary War; during which time it was used at different points as a barracks for both British and American forces.

Spooky story: The most famous ghost stories associated with the Unitarian Church Cemetery is the tale of Edgar Allan Poe’s ill fated lover who he wrote about in one of his most famous poems, “Annabel Lee.” The story goes that they had a forbidden love, and due to a broken heart, she became ill and died. She was buried in the cemetery in an unmarked grave. Many believe that she can be seen roaming the graveyard at night as the “Lady in White,” searching for her long-lost love.

Legacy: Like many of the church cemeteries and graveyards around the Holy City, the Unitarian Church cemetery is a beautiful sanctuary set apart from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets just outside it. What makes this churchyard stand out from the others is its overgrown and seemingly neglected appearance, with dense shrubs and trees crowding the spaces between and around the gravestones, and vines growing wild and twisted all around the cemetery. It stands as a symbol for life after death. Time has stopped on life over and over for those buried on the grounds, but new life continues to grow and thrive around it. It is a hauntingly beautiful representation of the city itself – beauty from ashes. 

WHITE POINT GARDEN

History: White Point Garden, also known as Battery Park, is a landmark defensive seawall and promenade. Its name is derived from the oyster shells bleached white by the sun that covered the waterfront land when colonists first arrived on the shores; originally known as “Oyster Point'' and then “White Point,” it was given its current name when it officially became a public park in the 1800’s. The area was also a place of historical significance during the wars, with a defensive seawall that was lined with cannons in order to protect the city from invasion. In the years after the Civil War, statues and monuments were erected to honor the darker periods of the park’s history, in addition to a number of military relics. 

Spooky story: It is said that pirates convicted of crimes were publicly hanged in the center of the park, including infamous “Gentleman Pirate” Stede Bonnet and his crew. Over the years, visitors of White Point Garden have reported seeing faces staring at them through the dark as well as apparitions that appear to be hanging from the trees.

Legacy: The historic waterfront park is an impressive attraction to visitors and residents alike, with its incredible views of the harbor and South Battery Street lined with grand historic mansions, and a large shaded grassy area under a canopy of old, massive oak trees. On any given day in the park, you can find tourists strolling down the pathways and looking at all of the many monuments and statues, locals walking their dogs or on a daily run through the park, or even a wedding at the gazebo in the center of the park. Though the ground you walk on today has felt the footsteps of war, it remains intact for life to continue moving over it; and though the ancient oaks cannot hide the sins of their past, they have grown larger and stronger, digging their roots deeper into the earth, creating a stronger hold in the ground on which they stand. 

OLD EXCHANGE & PROVOST DUNGEON

History: Before the combined Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon that stands today was erected – and prior to the Old Charleston Jail being built – the Provost Dungeon held imprisoned pirates until their execution, including Stede Bonnet and his crew. When it was finally built in 1771, the Old Exchange originally served as a custom house, public market and meeting place. During the Revolutionary War, British forces used it as a barracks and its basement was used to hold prisoners-of-war. According to the museum website, in 1791 city leaders entertained George Washington at the Exchange during his tour of the south. In the years between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Exchange was Charleston’s most common location for public slave auctions, making it one of most significant sites for domestic slave trade. In the years after, it has served as a post office, city hall, and currently a museum.

Spooky story: According to Ghost City Tours, down in the dungeon in particular, visitors have reported encounters with dark entities. People have claimed hearing terrifying screams and moans, seeing dancing orbs, and feeling as though invisible hands are wrapped around their throat. Up in the light of the Exchange on the upper floors, the reports are of much less malevolent spirits, with sightings of disappearing staff members in Revolutionary-era attire.

Legacy: The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Today, it is a non-profit historic site that focuses on the American Revolution and colonial Charleston – more importantly, it is one of Charleston’s most historic sites, and one where you might find yourself experiencing the city’s dark past first-hand when you visit.

Whether you are a Charleston local or a visitor, it is virtually impossible to walk the streets of Historic Charleston and not feel the influence of its extensive history wherever you go. Famed artist and Charleston native Elizabeth O’Neill Verner is quoted to have once said, “It is impossible for me to enter Charleston from any side, whether by land or by sea, and not feel that here the land is precious; here is a place worth keeping…” The restaurants, shops, offices, parks, museums, graveyards, and homes – everything here has a story to tell. And if you’re paying close attention, you might just get it.