Charleston Terrors: The Ghosts of Pirates and Patriots Past

Looking to explore the dark, haunted side of the seemingly innocent Holy City? Join Charleston Terrors on a walking tour through the city’s most haunted places, where restless spirits await to share their tales of woes and loss.

Deadly disease, widespread suffering, and untimely death shroud Charleston’s storied past. Book your Charleston Ghost Tour tonight for a haunting stroll through the city’s historic landmarks and spooky sites.

5 Star Ratings (based on 57,745 reviews) Read Reviews

Book Your Charleston Ghost Tour Tonight!

Tour guide spinning chilling ghost tales for guestsOld City Jail Charleston Haunted

Charleston Terrors: The Ghosts of Pirates and Patriots Past

Walk through the terrifying streets of Chucktown, where some of the most critical events in American history took place. Learn about the sordid history of mayhem, violence, and bloodshed that creeps at Charleston’s edges from our professional tour guides at Charleston Terrors. For the brave and curious history buffs looking to hear more horrifying ghost stories about the unimaginable suffering and countless painful deaths of the city’s long-forgotten souls, our Bonus Extended Tour offers even more thrills and chills through the darkest corners of Charleston's haunted history.

compass graphic

Meeting Location: Charleston City Hall, located at 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, next to Washington Square Park and across from St. Michael's church.

Clock graphic

Starting Time: Ghost tours are held nightly at 8 PM, rain or shine!

dog graphic

Pet Policy: Pets are welcomed!

mug graphic

Alcohol Policy: No Drinking Permitted

face graphic

Adults Only: No

Book Now

Where to Meet, Park, and Directions

80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401

We recommend parking near 80 Broad Street. Click below to see options. Use parkme.com for more parking locations.

Sirius USA Today Huffington Post Country Living INC Travel Featured on KAYAK! Guides Inside Edition CBS MTV Fox Business New York Post Smithsonian Wall Street Journal Yahoo Boston Globe
Sirius USA Today Huffington Post Country Living INC Travel Featured on KAYAK! Guides Inside Edition CBS MTV Fox Business New York Post Smithsonian Wall Street Journal Yahoo Boston Globe

Perry Jouriles

Five Stars

MJ was awesome!!!

10.08.24

Suzanne Duffy

Five Stars

The Guide was awesome.I learned alot Peace, Suzanne

09.06.24

Janet Lukat

Five Stars

Very enjoyable tour! Our guide was a wealth of knowledge, and presented it in a fun and entertaining way. Would definitely recommend!

07.06.24

Read All Reviews

Tour Gallery Tour Gallery

Tour Preview: Where You’ll Go

Haunted Poogan's Porch Charleston

Poogan’s Porch

Long before it became a popular southern-style restaurant, the historic Poogan’s Porch was a spacious, Victorian-style building that housed many people, including two spinsters, Elizabeth and Zoe St. Amand. Today, diners and staff frequently report seeing the ghostly apparition of Zoe haunting the place where she and her beloved sister once called home.

The Powder Magazine Haunted Charleston

Powder Magazine

Completed in the early 18th century primarily for gunpowder storage during the American Revolutionary War, the historic Powder Magazine is the oldest public building in South Carolina. Today, it stands as a central part of Charleston’s rich history, where the ghosts of brave soldiers from centuries past continue to stand guard, silently watching over the grounds where they paid the utmost price.

Front view of the Dungeon in Charleston

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Completed in 1771, the historic landmark has had its fair share of tragedy and senseless violence over its long history. From Charleston military headquarters to a British military prison, the dungeon has had several uses other than what it was originally intended for, each leaving a trail of haunted memories and restless spirits that continue to attract curious visitors to this day.

The Hauntings of Charleston

Ever since it was founded in the 1670s, the city of Charleston in South Carolina has been a bustling hub of international trade and commerce, with a history steeped in tragedy, deadly epidemics, violence, rebellion, and resilience. From its early days as a colonial settlement to its pivotal role in the American Civil War, the Holy City has seen it all, and its storied past has left behind a legacy of hauntings and ghostly encounters that continue to intrigue and terrify visitors to this day.

As one of the oldest settlements in the US, Charleston’s long history makes it a perfect breeding ground for ghostly encounters and spooky events. Every instance of conflict, turmoil, and bloodshed leaves an indelible mark that echoes through time. From notorious pirates haunting the shores to tormented souls of prisoners locked away in dungeons, almost every nook and corner of this historic port city hides a sinister secret waiting to be unearthed by those brave enough to walk its darkened alleys.

Among Charleston’s oldest and most haunted locations hiding its dark secrets is The Blind Tiger, a speakeasy born out of rebellion during the Prohibition Era, where the ghostly presence of a mischievous woman continues to scare unsuspecting visitors. The historic Philadelphia Alley, once a battleground for duels, now echoes with the ghosts of men who met their untimely end at the tip of a sword or the barrel of a gun, forever locked in their deadly confrontations.

 

The Most Haunted Places in Charleston, SC

 

The city of Charleston in South Carolina is nothing like a tranquil vacation destination when the sun goes down. The Battery Carriage House, once a bustling hub for social gatherings, now stands as a spectral sentinel. Its halls are haunted by the lingering spirits of soldiers and residents from centuries past, and the grim history of suffering and execution continues to plague the Old Charleston Jail with the anguished cries of former inmates.

The Dock Street Theatre, once a stage for grand performances, now hosts ghostly apparitions who refuse to leave the limelight. Fort Sumter stands as a somber reminder of the lives lost in the turmoil of war, with the restless souls of fallen soldiers permanently standing guard over their beloved city.

Join Charleston Terrors as we walk through some of the most haunted landmarks in South Carolina tonight and hear chilling tales of unresolved conflicts, chaos, and calamities that have left a permanent stain on Chucktown’s long history.

Reasons to Take the Charleston Ghost Tour

Icon
You want to learn more about a side of Charleston not taught in history books

Charleston might be one of the most hospitable cities in the U.S., but friendly smiles and sunshine can’t hide the fact tha ... t disturbing history can be found in every nook and cranny of the city’s otherwise charming streets. Odds are you’ve already studied up on historic sites like Fort Sumter, but do you know all about Charleston’s notoriously haunted past?



Uncover the secrets of the F.W. Wagener building, named after one of Charleston’s most famous businessmen. Everyone who works there reports the same similar, ghostly incidents and an inexplicable “chill” coming from the old offices on the upper floors. Uncover the little-known history of this haunted location and more on a spine-tingling Charleston Terrors ghost tour.

Icon
You’ve already visited the classic Charleston destinations

During your trip to South Carolina, you’ve hit top tourist destinations including Fort Sumter, Rainbow Row, and the histori ... c City Market. But no trip to the Holy City is complete without a deep dive into its haunted past. Join Charleston Terrors and experience the gritty underbelly of the Holy City. See the spine-tingling sites of murder, suicide, disease, piracy, and inexplicable mysteries — a history you won’t see written on a door sign — while still gaining an invaluable look at one of America’s most prolific cities.

Icon
You’re looking to put a spooky spin on date night

Make your next date one to remember with a tour from Charleston Terrors, and get the blood pumping as you and your significan ... t other visit destinations such as Philadelphia Alley, one of the most haunted walkways in all of Charleston. Legend has it that a man died whilst dueling to win the love of his lover. But this ill-fated romance wasn’t meant to be, as he was fatally wounded and died of gangrene shortly after. Today, his ghost allegedly can still be seen and heard today, carelessly walking down the alley, whistling and very much in love…unknowing of the grim fate that awaits him.

Icon
You want to learn the local tales

You might just be visiting, but don’t you want to experience Charleston like a local? Embark on a spooky adventure and hear ... all of the well-known tales that have been passed down to Charleston residents for centuries, including the infamous hauntings of Poogan’s Porch Restaurant. Admittedly, the site is home to some not-so-scary history: rumor has it that the friendly spirit of Poogan — the owners’ West Highland Terrier — still greets passerbyers to this day with a friendly bark or a nuzzle, despite the fact that Poogan died in 1979. But don’t be deceived, because Poogan isn’t the only ghost who remains on the property. The vengeful spirit of Zoe, a schoolteacher, and former resident is said to flicker the lights and even scream at terrified employees, crying out for her long-dead sister, Elizabeth.

Icon
You want to experience Charleston at night

If you’re a night owl looking to see Charleston after hours in a truly unforgettable way, look no further. Many, if not all ... haunted locations across Charleston are particularly active after the sun goes down, making a tour with Charleston Terrors the perfect opportunity to take your friends out on a spooky nighttime adventure they’ll never forget. From the mysterious apparitions of Civil War soldiers that roam the grounds of Charleston’s Powder Magazine to the inexplicably dark energy that can be felt in Philadelphia Alley, the port city’s otherworldly inhabitants are more often than not, nocturnal.

Icon
You’re tired of binge-watching Netflix

You’ve always had a taste for the macabre, from horror movies to true crime documentaries. But have you ever indulged in yo ... ur love for haunted history…in real life? Turn off your TV and see firsthand the legendary locations of your favorite shows during one of our curated one-hour tours. Walk the chilling streets of Charleston and see actual haunted sites like the Circular Congregational Church Graveyard, where the first tombstone dates all the way back to 1965. There, perhaps you’ll come face-to-face with a vengeful, ethereal spirit, who once reportedly screamed at a groundskeeper to “burn it to the ground” before vanishing into the night.

You May Also Like

Tour guide spinning chilling ghost tales for guests

Charleston Terrors: The Ghosts of Pirates and Patriots Past

Discover mournful tales of woe on a meticulously researched, authentic Charleston ghost tour.

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: All tours meet at Charleston City Hall, located at 80 Broad St, Charleston, SC 29401, next to Washington Square Park and across from St. Michael's church.

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily at 8PM

Tour LengthTour Length: Approximately 1 hour

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

Charleston Haunted Pub Crawl

Charleston Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Enjoy some liquid courage while hearing ghostly tales of Charleston's most historic haunts and drinking hotspots.

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: Meet on the West side of the Exchange building, next to the Slavers Marker, East Bay and Broad 122 East Bay Street Charleston 29401

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily at 5:30PM

Tour LengthTour Length: Approximately 2 hours

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

Charleston Slavery Statue

Charleston Unchained: Pirates and Patriots

Join us to uncover a controversial side of Charleston and peel back the layers of charm to see the real history of the Holy City.

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: All tours meet at the bandstand/gazebo, in the middle of White Point Park, down at the Battery (2 Murray Blvd. Charleston, SC 29401).

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily at 10PM

Tour LengthTour Length: Approximately 2 hours

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

Southern Charm Foods of Charleston Tour

Southern Charm Foods of Charleston Tour

Charleston is one of the oldest and most lively cities in the United States. In many of their recipes, local chefs make use of the Lowcountry's natural resources.

Meeting LocationTour Meeting Location: Meet your tour guide at 82 Queen Street, in front of 82 Queen, the Restaurant.

Tour TimeTour Times: Daily at 1PM

Tour LengthTour Length: Approximately 3 hours

Tour WeatherGhost tours are held nightly, rain or shine!

Check Out Our Blog

Ghost in dark room

The Haunted Blind Tiger Pub

Do you want the ultimate Charleston dining experience while visiting South Carolina? Then look no further than the Blind Tiger Pub. Offering... Read More

09.03.24

Infamous crew with eerie legends

White Hill Gardens: Where Hauntings Bloom

The White Hill Gardens of Charleston, South Carolina, palatial host to various Civil War memorials and monuments, is renowned for its on... Read More

07.16.24

Ghost in misty hallway

Hauntings of Charleston's John Rutledge House Inn

Charleston, South Carolina, is home to more than 400 churches, hence the nickname “The Holy City.” But don’t be fooled, as this city i... Read More

07.14.24

Chat