Travel & Tourism

A visit to Charleston’s Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon allows you to stroll back in time

By Matt Richardson Special to The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette
Matt Richardson

The old city of Charleston is filled with stories: ghost stories, pirate stories, tales of war and sweet romance. Every hospitable home in the city has its own record of history crossing its threshold, of a timeless city awash in time itself.

One of the most-storied of all buildings in Charleston is the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. This sand-colored edifice strands as a bulwark at the far end of Broad Street, and is easily one of the most-recognizable of all non-steepled buildings in the city.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon has seen the fires of Revolution, elegant balls, and humdrum-but-vital utilitarianism. It has been a fortress, a marketplace, an office and even a prison. Today, it is a museum, and it is waiting for you to visit.

A historian once noted that the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon can be considered the “house where South Carolina was born.” Indeed, a visit to this wondrous place will quickly reveal the accuracy of these words.

Built from 1767-1771 by the provisional government, which was in need for a customs house. it was constructed over the site of an old fortification and dominated the waterfront of the old city. When the Revolution struck, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon was used as a military headquarters and meeting place for patriot leaders. While Boston held its “Tea Party,” the building housed tea confiscated from British ships in Charleston Harbor.

Elegant furnishings and decor depict one of the many roles of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston. Here, the South Carolina convention was held to ratify the US Constitution, and later George Washington was entertained during his week-long visit to the city.
Elegant furnishings and decor depict one of the many roles of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston. Here, the South Carolina convention was held to ratify the US Constitution, and later George Washington was entertained during his week-long visit to the city. Matt Richardson

When the city fell to the British in 1780, the building became a place to house prisoners, with the lower level becoming the infamous “dungeon.” It was here that miscreants, deserters, prisoners of war and patriot spies were held in horrible conditions. Lowcountry Patriot, Col. Isaac Hayne, was held here until his execution by the British for treason.

After the Revolution, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon reverted to more civic duties. The main floor was used as a market, and George Washington attended galas in the building during his week-long visit to Charleston on his southern tour. Over the next 200 years years, the building continued in various uses, including that of exchange, auction house, post office, Coast Guard picket station, and as a USO canteen in WWII. It survived wars, hurricanes, and the earthquake of 1886. The building was granted to the Daughters of the Revolution in 1913, who have kept it preserved, eventually opening it as a museum in 1981.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston served as many things during the history of the city, with perhaps its most famous role being that of a prison during the American Revolution. Here, notables such as South Carolina patriot and martyr Col. Isaac Hayne was held before his sentence was carried out. When you visit you will get a feel of the desperation of the men and women who gave up everything for the cause of freedom.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston served as many things during the history of the city, with perhaps its most famous role being that of a prison during the American Revolution. Here, notables such as South Carolina patriot and martyr Col. Isaac Hayne was held before his sentence was carried out. When you visit you will get a feel of the desperation of the men and women who gave up everything for the cause of freedom. Matt Richardson

When you visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, you will be greeted by snapping flags, large doors and spacious rooms filled with artifacts, art and people in period costume ready to share history with you. As you enter the main floor, you will see a gift shop and immediately begin your self-guided or docent-guided tour. The main floor is filled with period furnishings, unique works and interactive educational displays.

A visit to the third floor brings you to an open meeting room and other spaces that contain exhibits, flags and other tokens of the city’s past. The highlight of your visit will be to the lower level and the “dungeon.” It is here, under the low, brick-arched ceilings that many prisoners were held during the tumult of the Revolution. The light of freedom still burned, even in the darkness, and the displays in each room capture the essence of this well.

Thousands of visitors each year flock to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston to learn fascinating history and experience the unique place. Here, young visitors participate in a hands-on educational exhibit where visitors are invited to sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Thousands of visitors each year flock to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston to learn fascinating history and experience the unique place. Here, young visitors participate in a hands-on educational exhibit where visitors are invited to sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Matt Richardson

Guides in period dress explain what life was like in these catacombs, and while you listen, you will be amazed to think that you are still in the bright and friendly city that bustles along the streets above. You will be almost relieved to see the sunshine again, but will appreciate it all the more when you think of the sacrifices of these brave men and women for the freedom we now enjoy.

You will find the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon an informative visit that brings you the events of world history as they came right to the doorstep of the Lowcountry. Whether you visit for a few minutes or a few hours, you will not soon forget it.

Guns of freedom: the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston offers a variety of attractions, from static museum, to interactive exhibits, and historical recreationists in period costume. This display holds replica and vintage firearms from the Revolution to the Civil War, where a guide explains their significance in the history of the city.
Guns of freedom: the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston offers a variety of attractions, from static museum, to interactive exhibits, and historical recreationists in period costume. This display holds replica and vintage firearms from the Revolution to the Civil War, where a guide explains their significance in the history of the city. Matt Richardson

Getting there

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is located at 122 E Bay Street in downtown Charleston. It is open year-round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Hours are 9-5 Monday through Saturday, and 11-5 on Sunday. Public parking is available in area public lots, or on the nearby Battery. Admission is $15 for adults and kids from 7-12 are $8, children under 6 are free. Discounts are available, ands guided tours are every half-hour from 10-5.

A typical visit takes about an hour, but the friendly, informative staff and historic recreationists on site will provide great conversation and fascinating information about the city and the colorful history of the building. For more information call (843) 727-2165 or visit https://www.oldexchange.org

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of the most storied places in downtown Charleston. Built from 1767-1771 it has served as a customs house, public market, meeting place, Revolutionary war headquarters, and prison. Today, it is a “must see” for visitors to Charleston who wish to walk the floors of history.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is one of the most storied places in downtown Charleston. Built from 1767-1771 it has served as a customs house, public market, meeting place, Revolutionary war headquarters, and prison. Today, it is a “must see” for visitors to Charleston who wish to walk the floors of history. Matt Richardson

This story was originally published February 27, 2023 at 6:00 AM.

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