Old Charleston Jail

The Old Charleston Jail is a historic prison built from grey stone with Romanesque Revival architectural details located downtown. The three-story structure on Magazine Street features an octagonal wing extending from its rear section.

The prison opened in 1802 and operated until 1939, holding inmates including notable historical figures and soldiers during wartime. It served as a key facility in Charleston's criminal justice system throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The building shows how the criminal justice system worked in early Charleston and what punishment meant in that era. Walking through the preserved cells and hallways, you sense the social attitudes of the time.

The site is open to visitors daily and offers guided tours through the different levels and areas of the building. Plan enough time to explore the cells and displays thoroughly, and be aware that some sections have narrow staircases.

The building witnessed several documented escape attempts that reveal how inmates tried to overcome the security measures. These stories are shared during tours and shed light on the human resistance to confinement.