Charleston Explained

Charleston Explained Follow for myths, facts & stories you've never heard about Charleston, SC! VIP Walking Tours at Link in Bio 👇

09/01/2026

These circles aren’t what you think.

On August 31st, 1886 around 10pm Charleston was nearly leveled by an estimated 7.3 magnitude earthquake. Today marks the 140th anniversary of the disaster.

Ever wonder why so many historic buildings have these metal circles? Well, they aren't decoration. They help prevent the damage if we experience them today.

Spot a circle? Let me know which street! 👇

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08/23/2026

Civil War Submarine: The H.L.
Hunley ⚓️

In 1864, the H.L. Hunley became the first combat submarine to sink an enemy ship.

But after signaling success, the vessel and its 8-man crew vanished for over 130 years. When it was finally recovered in 2000, the crew was found still at their stations..

You can find the replica here at The Charleston Museum.

Could you have volunteered for this mission? 👇

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08/20/2026

The Legend of Big John's Tavern 🍻

Catch Big John’s Tavern on Outer Banks Season 5 Ep.6 on Netflix today!

From an NFL career to a local legend, this East Bay Street gem is a piece of living Charleston history.

Have you been to Big John's? Let me know below! ↓

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08/17/2026

Ever notice these metal bars outside historic homes? 🧐 Most visitors walk right past them, but they had a "genius" (and gross) purpose centuries ago.

They're boot scrapers. Before paved streets, you scraped horse manure and mud off your boots before stepping inside someone's home. The French even had a word for them: décrottoir. It literally translates to "excrement remover."

Have you spotted one of these on your street? 👇

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08/16/2026

Charleston had its own gangsters. And one of the most notorious was shot from a second story window on Market Street while walking to pick up his girlfriend.

His name was Frank "Rumpty Rattles" Hogan. His killer was acquitted. And the man who likely set him up? His own son-in-law.

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08/14/2026

If you’re moving into the College of Charleston’s Berry Residence Hall this weekend, you might have more roommates than you realized 🏚️👻

Most students see a six-story dorm for 640 residents, but those who know the history of these grounds know the story of the former Charleston Orphan House.

In 1918, a tragic fire claimed the lives of four orphans here. Ever since Berry Hall opened in 1991, the stories haven’t stopped:

🔔 Recurring false fire alarms with no explanation.
✨ The sound of marbles rolling across the floor at 3 AM.
🎶 Faint voices reciting “Ring Around the Rosie” in the hallways.

Some alumni even claim to have seen old-fashioned cursive writing appear on their bathroom mirrors.

📍 The big question: Knowing all of this, do you think you could spend a night in Berry Hall? Let me know if you’ve had an encounter! 👇

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08/12/2026

There’s a secret world hiding right under East Bay Street 🤫

We’re taking you underground to see the remnants of Charleston’s sealed-off tunnel system. Look closely at these brick arches - most likely used for storage, the real secret was at the back wall, where the hidden tunnel access was located.

Back in the day, these were smuggling routes used to move alcohol throughout the city, even connecting to legendary spots like The Blind Tiger.

📍The Details:
* There are 6 total access points here (4 in the area we explored).
* These tunnels once connected directly to legendary spots like The Blind Tiger.
* While the Great Earthquake of 1886 destroyed much of the system, the access remained open (although dilapidated) until they were finally sealed in the 1970s.

It’s rare to get a look at these today, so save this for your next deep dive into Holy City history! 🏛️✨

Did you know these were still down here? Let me know in the comments! 👇

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08/09/2026

Which Charleston neighborhood fits your vibe?📍

Downtown Charleston might look small on a map, but every corner of this peninsula has its own distinct personality, history, and lifestyle. From the iconic mansions of South of Broad to the creative energy in NoMo, we’re mapping out every district you need to know.

🗺️ The Lineup:
South of Broad & French Quarter: The historic heart.
Harleston Village & Ansonborough: Walkable, residential gems.
Cannonborough-Elliottborough: The go-to for foodies (home to Chubby Fish!)
Hampton Park & Wagener Terrace: The city’s green escape.
NoMo: The creative hub.

Whether you’re a local or just planning a visit, save this map for your next walk through the Holy City! ✨

Which area is your favorite to explore? Let me know in the comments! 👇

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08/07/2026

The family behind the Sottile Theatre was also running a secret speakeasy on the waterfront.

In 1913, a city investigator listed this address as a blind tiger — operated by the Sottile family. Their cover? "Broker." The location? A waterfront building where activity was constant, and questions were rare.

Episode 2. The next location might surprise you even more.

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08/06/2026

There's a gravestone with a death date of 2028..

The man isn't buried yet. He's still alive.

Here’s how to find it📍

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Address

306 Buncum Drive
Mount Pleasant, SC
29464

Telephone

+13155218590

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