Charleston, South Carolina

The Old Exchange

The Old Exchange Building in downtown Charleston was finished in 1771. It was to be The Royal Exchange & Customs House. It is one of the oldest buildings in the nation. This building has had many historic events happen in its walls. It has a dungeon which has held signers of the Declaration of Independence and many other South Carolina Patriots. It has also housed events for George Washington in 1791, The U.S. Constitution ratification in 1788, and tea stolen from trade ships just prior the revolution and then was sold for the revolutionary cause by Charlestown patriots. This building has also been a U.S.post office, the first Confederate post office, and used by the U.S. Coast Guard. After being saved by the state D.A.R., the Old Exchange exists as a public museum and is a major tourist destination which gives tours daily and hosts other grand events.

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It was succeeded in its official capacity by the Greek revival style US Customs House on East Bay Street between North and South Market Streets.

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