Destination guide for the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon in Charleston.
History
Charleston’s Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, established in 1771, is considered one of South Carolina’s most historic landmarks. This site has witnessed significant events that have shaped the history of the United States and the lives of those who lived in South Carolina. On the second floor of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, in the sweltering heat of May 1788, delegates and spectators met for a pivotal moment: the debate and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Yet not all who lived in Charleston enjoyed the freedoms of the newly formed country. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon played an central role in the domestic slave trade, as it was one of the main locations where enslaved men, women, and children were sold at public auctions.
In the decades since, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon has served many roles – a custom house, a post office, a city hall, and more. Today, it serves as a museum sharing with travelers the story of the people and events that shaped the history of Charleston and the U.S..
Visiting the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a great place to visit in Charleston, offering visitors two unique experiences: the opportunity to stand in a room where the U.S. Constitution was ratified and the chance to explore a dungeon. Guests can also view displays on the building’s history, as well as exhibits related to the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
The room where South Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution is a simple but thought-provoking space, given the importance of the events that transpired in May 1788. It is just one of three places where the U.S. Constitution was ratified that still stands. Here, visitors can walk around to read storyboards, view paintings of George Washington and King George III, and even have the chance to sign a copy of the U.S. Constitution.
The other unique spot at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is the Provost, an area located at the bottom of the building. It was built by British troops during the American Revolutionary War and was used to imprison soldiers and prisoners of war. At the entrance, guests will find a small exhibit that can be viewed before the start of the tour. The Provost is also unique in that it still contains a part of the original wall that fortified Charles Town (the city’s original name).
The Provost can only be accessed via a guided tour, which is included in the admission price.
Overall, I found my visit to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon to be worthwhile. The history was captivating, the displays were well curated, and the museum was easy to navigate. Guests can explore the site independently, but as I shared, the Provost can only be viewed by participating in a tour. I spent about an hour at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon: around 30 minutes at the Provost, and the other 30 minutes exploring the other two floors.
My visit was on a Sunday afternoon, and while the tour of the Provost was with a sizeable group, the rest of the museum had few guests. Granted, I visited in January, which is not a peak travel month in Charleston. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon sits at the end of Broad Street and is easily accessible on foot, by car, or via public transportation. Travelers using public transit can take DASH Route 211, a free bus service with stops within walking distance of the museum. For those driving, a parking garage is located just a block away.
The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is fully accessible.
Reduced admission is available for those who qualify; more information is available on the museum’s website.
Click to enlarge images.
Travel Tip
The Old Slave Mart Museum, situated just a block away from the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, provides a historically poignant and moving glimpse into the U.S. domestic slave trade through insightful exhibits. Another nearby stop is the Powder Magazine Museum (destination guide coming soon!), making it easy to combine these historic sites into a half-day of exploring Charleston’s past.
Resources
For more information, visit the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon’s website.
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