Charleston Explained

Charleston Explained Follow for myths, facts & stories you've never heard about Charleston, SC!

09/20/2025

I found a list of Charleston’s secret speakeasies, and I’m revealing them to you 👀🍸

Episode 1: 225 Meeting St 📍

Welcome to 225 Meeting Street. Today it’s Doar Bros., but in 1913 this was home to a hidden blind tiger. Back then, the “Jackson Club” looked like a legitimate café and social club, but behind the scenes it was funneling in bootleg liquor smuggled straight from Charleston’s backcountry. Risky business, because getting caught with liquor (not just beer) could mean serious trouble.

The real twist? Much of that liquor came from Hell Hole Swamp in Berkeley County, Charleston’s moonshine engine rumored to even supply Al Capone. In 1926, a bloody bootlegger war erupted there: shootouts on highways, ambushes in the woods, and headlines that grabbed national attention. That chaos brought in 100 federal agents, who stormed the swamp in one of the biggest Prohibition raids in state history. But here’s the kicker, Charleston’s speakeasies didn’t die. The moonshine kept flowing.

This is just one of Charleston’s secret Prohibition spots. In the next episode, I’ll reveal a location you definitely know… and trust me, you’ll never look at it the same way again 👀🔥

Be sure to follow for more secret locations around Charleston!

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09/09/2025

The Charleston Music Hall feat. Grayson Little Charleston Music Hall 🎸

Built in 1849 as The Tower Depot, this Gothic Revival train station once looked like something out of medieval Europe. After closing just four years later, it became a cotton bag factory, survived the 1886 Charleston Earthquake, and sat vacant for nearly 60 years — until 1995, when it was transformed into the Charleston Music Hall we know today. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, this iconic venue has hosted legends like David Byrne, Joan Baez, and Ricky Skaggs — nearly 200 years later, it’s still one of Charleston’s premier hubs for music, art, and community!

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08/01/2025

Did you know The Mills House Hotel was nearly lost to history? Since 1853, it’s been Charleston’s pink icon—once called “The Finest Hotel South of NYC,” with unheard-of luxuries like steam heat and running water. Legends like Joseph Rainey and cocktail pioneer Jerry Thomas walked its halls. It survived the Great Fire, the Civil War, and near-demolition in 1967—until the Charleston Associates rebuilt it, preserving its spirit and key features like the wrought iron balconies you see around it’s façade. Today, The Mills House is a testament to resilience and charm. Now part of Curio Collection by Hilton, it blends historic elegance with modern touches like renovated guest rooms and premium suites, Iron Rose Bar & Restaurant, The Black Door Cafe, and a rooftop terrace and pool.If you're visiting the Holy City, this is a must! Book a stay in history at The Mills House Hotel!

05/26/2025

Did you know Memorial Day started here at Hampton Park? 🇺🇸•••

04/30/2025

They say if you see the Gray Man… death is close behind 👀�Legend tells of a shadowy figure in one of Charleston’s oldest cemeteries—pale eyes, silent stare, and a message for those whose time is near. Is it Will, the heroic freedman of the 1796 fire? Or something more sinister?�⚠️ Don’t visit this graveyard at night… unless you’re ready to find out.📍St Philip’s Church Cemetary •••

02/05/2025

The Oldest Liquor Store in America! 🤯

Slinging booze for over 300 years, the oldest liquor store in America is right here at The Tavern at Rainbow Row! 🏴‍☠️

Established in 1686, this legendary spot allegedly served pirates like Blackbeard, survived the Prohibition disguised as a barbershop, and still holds a trapdoor leading to secret underground tunnels beneath the city! Some say it’s even haunted…

Swing by to grab a bottle and step into history! 🍻

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12/23/2024

✨ Tobin’s Market: A Hidden Gem with a Storied Past ✨

Did you know this vibrant Eastside hotspot was once on the brink of collapse? 🤯 Originally built in 1890 by the Tobin family, the Jackson Street Cottages were vital housing for Charleston’s working class. Over time, they fell into disrepair, but thanks to preservation efforts, they now stand as a beautiful blend of history and modern charm.

🏠 Fun Fact: These are the only grouping of 4 Freedman’s Cottages left in Charleston, complete with reclaimed siding, some original hardwoods, and even Jonathan Green’s signature West African-inspired diamonds♦️

🥂 Today, Tobin’s Market is a must-visit for food, drinks, private events, live music, and a slice of Charleston history. From near-demolition to a Carolopolis Award, these cottages are a testament to the city’s resilience.

👉 Tag someone who loves hidden gems, live music, or Charleston history!

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10/31/2024

The Jasmine House stands as an elegant relic of Charleston’s past. What happened in the Chrysanthemum Room is completely unexplainable. Who this ghost is, and her motive, are still a mystery to this day.

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Mount Pleasant, SC
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