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Old Charleston Jail
Location:
Charleston, South Carolina
Image copyrighted by its owner (unknown)
The History:
The Old Charleston Jail was built in 1802 on the site of a former, hospital, poor house, and slave workhouse.
A fireproof wing was added in 1822. This wing was designed by famed architect Robert Mills. In 1855, alterations were made to the prison in order to add on a few sections and just update the buildings. The fireproof wing designed by Mills was then replaced with an octagonal wing during this modification. An earthquake in 1886 did a large amount of damage to the tower and top level of the building which were then removed.
Among the most noteable former inmates to be housed here were serial killers John and Lavinia Fisher (1819-1820). They were accused and convicted of multiple counts of murder of travelers at the 'Six Mile House' just outside of Charleston. They are a legend unto themselves and are said to still appear in the prison as well as several other places around town.
Also in the 1820's, high-sea pirates were imprisoned there as they awaited their final moments at the gallows.
Both Confederate and Federal prisoners or war were held here during the Civil War dependant upon who had control of the city at any given time.
Slaves, murderers, traitors, and petty criminals were all also held, tortured, and finally executed at the gallows here. It is believed that as many as 10,000 people died on this property until it was abandoned in 1939.
The property remained unused until the year 2000 where it underwent an emergency construction project to stabilize it and is now used as a part of the campus for The American College for the Building Arts.
My Thoughts/Feelings/Findings/Opinions:
This building is nothing short of frightening at first glance. That's a feeling that never really changes no matter how long you're there.
I wanted for so long to get into this building and in early 2007, we finally got permission and it was not disappointing.
Inside the building is room after room of old cracking brick walls, newly re-done ply wood floors, and lots of old school iron work and there's no real place to go that makes you feel safe in any way.
The integrity of the structure is obviously far better than you'd think by just looking at it due in no small part to the huge support beams that have taken the place of most of the cells.
Directions:
The address is at 21 Magazine Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
Map:
View Larger Map
Links:
A Song written by a former prisoner of the jail about the jail and its misery.
Old City Jail tour information exclusively through Bulldog Tours.
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