Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, built in 1771, reflected the wealth and importance of Charles Towne as a bustling and prosperous seaport. The building has been a Charleston landmark for almost 250 years, and today is a non-profit historic site focusing on the American Revolution and colonial Charleston.

During the American Revolution, British forces used the basement of the building as a military prison, also called Provost or Dungeon. This space was used to house American prisoners of war, British soldiers and enslaved individuals. 

In 1788, the Exchange hosted South Carolina leaders as they debated and approved the U.S. Constitution. Today, the Old Exchange Building is one of only four structures remaining where the nation’s founding document was originally ratified.

In 1791, George Washington spent a week in Charleston on his southern tour. The Exchange was the site of lavish dinners, concerts, and a fancy dress ball attended by Washington. 

Today, visitors to the Exchange and Provost Dungeon can view the Half-Moon Battery, the only standing portion of the original Charles Town city wall open for public viewing.

Admission to the Old Exchange includes a self-guided exhibition on the top two floors of the building and a 25 minute guided tour of the bottom floor cellar, otherwise known as the Provost Dungeon. Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1 hour on site, though guests are welcome to take as much or as little time as they like exploring the self-guided exhibition.


Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon Photos

Click Photos to Enlarge

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Click Photos to Enlarge

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Old Exchange and Provost
Dungeon Hours and Admission

Hours: 
Open Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm
Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day
Dungeon tours begin every half hour from
9:30 am - 5 pm

Admission:
Adults (13+) $15
Child (7-12) $8
Children 6 and under Free

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Address and Map

Old Exchange and
Provost Dungeon
122 E Bay St
Charleston SC 29401
Old Exchange Website

Hotels Near the Old Exchange
and Provost Dungeon

The Vendue Charleston

The Vendue Art Hotel

Harbourview Inn Charleston

Harbourview Inn 

The Mills House Charleston

The Mills House

Find top-rated hotels at the lowest prices on Priceline Check rates now!

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