Known as Charleston’s most haunted building, this creepy piece of historic real estate sits in the middle of a residential neighborhood. The jail operated from 1802-1839, housing some of South Carolina’s most dangerous criminals.
(Not so) Fun Fact: before the jail was built, the land was used to dump the bodies of those who couldn’t afford to be placed in a church cemetery.
Pirates of the high seas, Civil War POW’s, thieves and many other miscellaneous misfits called Charleston Jail home.
The most infamous couple to (really) darken the doors was Lavinia and John Fisher. These lethal love birds owned the Six Mile Wayfarer House, at or around what is now the Naval Hospital in North Charleston.
Upon arrival at the Wayfarer House, guests were offered a cup of tea. And by ‘cup of tea,’ I mean they were poisoned and stripped of their belongings. The couple swooped in, chopped up their bodies and buried them under the house.
The happy couple ended up being convicted of a series of small gang-related crimes that landed them in the Old Charleston Jail. Despite the mysterious disappearances surrounding visitors to Wayfarer House, authorities were unable to gather enough evidence to make a murder conviction stick.
Although she was arrested for unrelated crimes, Lavinia is reported to be the first female serial killer in the United States. I mean, everyone knows she killed the guests!
At that time, it was against the law to hang a married woman. To get around this law, the judge hanged John first, making Lavinia a widow. Before she was hanged (in her wedding gown), she begged for any man in the crowd to marry her. Yeah, right! When that didn’t work out, she screamed, “…if anyone has a message for Satan, tell me now because I’m about to see him!”
Charleston Jail is well worth plugging into your GPS the next time you are in the low country. 21 Magazine Street, 29401 – I probably wouldn’t go alone.
The paranormal property just underwent a fifteen million dollar renovation. The second and third floors will now hold offices and event space. If you’re a business and rent one of these rooms, I want to interview you in about six months to see how it’s going – if you’re available! <insert evil laugh here>
Don’t worry, tours of the first floor will resume in time for all the Halloween hoopla this year! Check out Bulldog Tours for all the details. Just this morning, I added my name to the email list so that I’m notified as soon as tickets go on sale!
Other Haunted Spots in the Holy City:
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
122 E. Bay Street, 29401
White Point Garden
2 Murray Blvd, 29401
You’re probably familiar with the beautiful garden across the street from the Battery. In the 1700’s it was a popular place to hang and bury pirates.
Magnolia Cemetery
70 Cunningham Avenue, 29405
Stay tuned for more creepy content!