The Old Exchange is a journey through Charleston’s history.
The Old Exchange Building is one of the oldest constructions in Charleston, and its walls have seen the best and the worst of our country’s history. Built in 1771, it has been used as a commercial exchange, custom house, post office, city hall, military headquarters, and now a museum.
Check out their permanent exhibit, where you can learn more about our country’s history, the good and the bad. Visit the Provost, the salon where George Washington used to host lavish dinners, concerts, dances, and look at the only standing portion of the original Charles Town city wall that was finished in 1701.
The most enthralling part of the visit is the dungeon. During the American Revolution, British forces converted the bottom floor of the Exchange into a military prison known as the Provost. American prisoners of war, British soldiers, locals, and enslaved people all lived through harsh confines inside the dungeon. The Provost tour will give you a glimpse of what life was like for convicts and pirates.
There are guided tours available every half hour from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. You’ll learn a lot about Charleston’s history as well as the building itself.
Secret tip: The liquor store next door is the oldest in the country, so be sure to check it out.
Where: 📍122 East Bay Street
Hours: ⏰ Monday-Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday 11:00pm-5:00pm
Admission: 💸 Adults: $12
Children 6-12: $5
Children 0-6: Free
Featured image by Shutterstock.