Visiting the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

One of the days while we were in Charleston, SC it was raining so we took the time to explore the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.  We had gotten a Groupon for a discounted tour of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon so we figured it was the perfect day to go.  The girls and I had a lot of fun learning about the building and all the history that took place within it’s walls.  Another time about a year later we were in Charleston again and Jake joined us for our second tour of the building.  It is full of history.  The kids really enjoyed it.  A friend recommended we go see this historic site a couple years ago and we have enjoyed going more than once.

Old Exchange dates back to the 1670’s when it was used as a Customs and Exchange building for the busy Charleston port.  Pirates were placed in the Provost Dungeon.  British tea was stored inside it’s walls.  You can see the old sea wall inside the Provost Dungeon.  During the American Revolution the colonists hid guns and ammunition inside the building.  There is a lot of neat history in this building.

Old staircase, not in use anymore

Old Seawall can be seen inside the Provost Dungeon.  Half-moon battery.

They had amazing brick work done in the building.  It was neat to see.

Old model of the building.

Our tour guide telling about the pirates they captured and held as prisoners in the Provost Dungeon

Pirates biding their time in the Dungeon

The had to keep records of all the exchanges and transactions that took place inside the building.

The colonists put a powder magazine inside the building and then built a wall in front of it.  Even during the American Revolution when the British soldiers had control and occupied this building they never found it.  After the war when they took down the wall everything was still where they had left it.

Provost Dungeon

Black Beard the pirate

A lot of neat historical pictures line the walls throughout the building

It was a rainy day in Charleston.  Perfect day to take a tour of Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.

Information about Preside George Washington’s visit to Charleston.

We the People….

Historical people and swords

Rainy day, but still beautiful

Looking out from the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon building to the street below.

History of the Exchange & Custom House, Faneuil Hall, and more

One of the meeting rooms, beautifully decorated

The Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon Banner

Plagues on the outside walls of the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!