Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

George Washington was entertained here. Prisoners of war were shackled and jailed here. And merchant trade made Charleston a very prosperous city here. To say the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a colonial building of great importance in America’s history is an understatement. Charleston, South Carolina is a city filled with rich history and a visit to this fascinating building is a must for everyone ranging from history buffs who want to witness a structure that was once a great hub of politics and commercial activity in Charleston, to families excited to explore the eerie confines of a real dungeon.

A Public Building

Once known as the Royal Exchange and Custom House, the Old Exchange has always been a public building. Charleston shippers were becoming more and more prosperous as they transported slaves, rice and cotton, and the town’s wealthy elite pushed for the creation of an Exchange in order to carry out the increasingly large amount of importing and exporting that was taking place at the time.

The foundations were laid on the old Charleston city walls in 1768 and construction was completed by 1771. Located at the center of the Charleston waterfront, the elegant building was erected by master masons and was considered to be a grand and unique architectural structure worthy of the city. The Charleston Post Office was moved to the Exchange in 1815.

During the 1780 siege of Charleston by the British, General William Moutrie infamously hid ten thousand pounds of gunpowder in the basement of the Exchange, next to the Provost which eventually held those incarcerated by the British.

The Provost Dungeon

The Provost Dungeon which is underneath the Old Exchange was put to use by the British after they captured the city during the American Revolution. Those under suspicion were jailed in the oppressive dungeon under the brick barrel vaulted ceiling. The sturdy ceiling and columns which served to support the floors of the Old Exchange at the same time created a truly dark, dank and confining environment for those shackled beneath.

The Half-Moon Bastion

So named because it sticks out into the water in the shape a half-circle, the Half-Moon Bastion or Battery was buried beneath the Old Exchange when the building was constructed upon it. The Half-Moon Bastion has great historical significance for the city of Charleston; it was part of the original fortifications of “Charles Town.” In the 1960s a portion of this original city fortification was excavated.

George Washington Pays a Visit

The Old Exchange has witnessed many events of great political significance. In 1774, the building’s Great Hall hosted the South Carolina delegate elections for the First Continental Congress. The state drafted its first constitution and declared its independence from Great Britain at the Exchange in 1776, and in 1788 South Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution in this building.

Revolutionary War hero George Washington was elected the first President of the United States in 1789 and was determined to tour the country to foster a sense of unity. He visited Charleston is 1791 during his tour of the Southern states and the Exchange building played a great role in welcoming and entertaining this esteemed guest. A grand ball hosted in the Great Hall of the Exchange was part of the lavish festivities celebrating his visit.

History Comes to Life

Public tours of the three floors of Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon are available daily. The two levels of the Old Exchange building are self-guided with exhibits and historical information detailing the historical importance of the building. Tour guides lead visitors through the Provost Dungeon, where animatronic characters tell the story of the prison’s dark history.

Visiting the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

This national historic landmark is located at 122 East Bay Street at Broad Street. The Old Exchange is open from 9a.m. to 5p.m. seven days a week. General admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 7-12 and $3.50 for students. Admission is free for children under age six. Discounts are available for groups of six or more, and AAA and CAA members.

For more information call (843) 727-2165 or 1-888-763-0448

Click here to visit Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon official website