Charleston Walking Tour: Exploring Historic Founders
5.0
15 Ratings
Charleston
Discover the fascinating history of Charleston on this walking tour. Explore the city's founding and the influential figures who shaped America. From pirates to patriots, uncover the secrets of Charleston's past.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon - Built in 1771 as a commercial exchange and custom house, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon has been a Charleston landmark for nearly 250 years. Today, it is a non-profit historic site that focuses on the American Revolution and colonial Charleston.
What's Included
  • Admission to the Philip Simmons House.
  • Entry to the Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Additional Information

This excursion offers a glimpse into Charleston’s history by throwing light on the extraordinary women and men who played pivotal roles in the establishment of both Charleston and the United States.

Ever wondered if the United States would still be here today without the contributions of Charleston’s pirates and patriots?

We initiate our journey at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, one of the city’s oldest and most significant historical structures. Discover details about George Washington’s 1791 visit and the destiny of those unfortunate prisoners confined within the dungeon walls.

Following this, we amble along East Bay Street and pass by the famed Rainbow Row. Marvel at opulent mansions while soaking in the stunning vistas of Charleston Harbor and White Point Garden. Retrace the steps of the pirates and their captors.

Our journey then leads us through the South of Broad neighborhood in Charleston. Acquire insights about a man who was credited by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson as the true progenitor of America.

In conclusion, we find our way back to the starting point, strolling past the Four Corners of the Law and a variety of shops and residences lining Broad Street.

Location
122 E Bay St
East Bay Street
We will meet next to the Old Exchange Building at 122 East Bay Street.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(15 Ratings)
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Lorij379
Apr 9, 2024
Don’t miss this guy! Great tour! - Fantastic guide and fascinations history told by a master storyteller. We thoroughly enjoyed getting local history; the stories really brought the city to life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelley_c
Feb 18, 2024
Fun touey - Extremely knowledgeable guide who intertwined the history of Charleston with application to today’s world. The love for the city of a Charleston was obvious!
Review provided by Viator
Lauren_t
Feb 12, 2024
What's not in your history books... - Lawrence was incredibly knowledgeable and animated which enhanced the history of a beautiful city. Highly recommend booking and jumping into the prelude of a wonderful story.
Review provided by Viator
Frequenttraveler1986
Feb 11, 2024
Great for first time visitors! - Amazing your arranged by our hotel. We had a small group and felt like a personal tour. He was super knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Yes he did run over on the time but asked us first. We didn’t mind at all. He also gave great advice about what else to see in town and where to eat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gracemg1765mv
Jan 30, 2024
Storytelling we'll never forget! - I've been on a lot of walking tours in a lot of cities across the world. Larry and the Holy City History Tour was easily the best one ever! I booked this tour because of the emphasis on storytelling and Larry delivered. The stories were interesting and new, despite having spent a decent amount of time in Charleston (we're from Columbia, SC down the road). Larry shared great information and also showed how that history has shaped the world around us and is relevant today. I can't recommend this tour enough. Next time I'm in town, I'm going to call Larry up for a beer or two!
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Jjo8402fu
Nov 17, 2023
Go Larry! - The guide Larry…a historical American treasure. Just great. Really enjoyed the architecture and stories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Crystal_w
Jun 15, 2023
Amazing! - I learned so much!! This tour was amazing!!! This tour guide is one of a kind. He shares his knowledge of the history of Charleston in a very engaging way. I highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Viator
Jaimef1962
Jan 8, 2023
Larry, thank you. Best tour guide!! - I have taken many tours, both walking and driving, but have to say that our tour guide, Larry, was amazing. We reserved a 2 hour walking tour and wished it would have been 8 hours. If you find yourself in Charleston, don't pass up the opportunity to hire Larry. An encyclopedia of local and historical information.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon
Sep 28, 2022
Wonderful customized tour - we have visited Charleston many time so it was really nice that our guide taylores our tour to us. we We talked about the beginnings of Charleston and its early history. Very interesting and inspired us to do further research
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dlholiday
Jun 13, 2022
Definitely worth it - Larry was a very knowledgeable and engaging tour guide. Take this tour if you want to do a deeper dive on Charleston history. This is not just a collection of interesting anecdotes - you get a story. We passed a Gullah Geechee tour operator who told us that Larry was the only white tour guide that he trusted - so that might tell you something.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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May 2024
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