The Ultimate Guide to the Most Haunted Places in Charleston, SC

If you're like me, living in Charleston has its perks—beautiful historic homes, the charm of downtown streets, and let’s not forget the waterfront views. But if there’s one thing Charleston has in spades, aside from its Southern hospitality, it’s ghost stories. As a longtime resident and someone who spends much of my time exploring the nooks and crannies of this city, I can tell you—Charleston has its fair share of haunted places. While selling homes, I’ve come across a number of tales that left even my bravest clients a bit unnerved.

Charleston isn’t just known for its beautiful architecture and deep history; it’s known as one of the most haunted cities in America. But before you grab your ghost-hunting gear, let me walk you through some of the most haunted places in Charleston—places where history and hauntings are so intertwined that you can almost feel the past pressing against you.

The Old City Jail: Ghosts of the Past

Let’s start with The Old City Jail. If you’ve ever taken a ghost tour in Charleston, you’ve probably passed by this looming building on Magazine Street. Built in 1802, the jail housed some of the city's most notorious criminals, including pirates, Civil War prisoners, and Lavinia Fisher, America’s first female serial killer. Thousands of inmates died here, often in horrific conditions. Even now, as you walk through the crumbling halls, it’s hard to shake the feeling that you’re not alone.

Over the years, countless people have reported seeing strange apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, and feeling an eerie chill that has nothing to do with the weather. Some say Lavinia Fisher herself haunts the jail, sweeping through the hallways in her wedding dress. For me, the most chilling thing is the sense of stillness in the air—a quiet that feels heavy, as if the walls themselves are waiting for something.

Poogan’s Porch: A Friendly (but Ghostly) Dinner Companion

Just a few blocks away on Queen Street is Poogan’s Porch, one of Charleston’s best-known restaurants. It’s a charming place, with fantastic Southern cuisine and warm hospitality. But Poogan’s is known for more than just its shrimp and grits. This 1888 Victorian townhouse has a long history of ghostly encounters.

The house was once home to two sisters, Zoe and Elizabeth St. Amand. When Elizabeth died, Zoe became disoriented, wandering the house in confusion until her own passing in 1954. Today, it’s said that Zoe still haunts the building. Diners and staff have reported seeing a woman in black roaming the upstairs rooms, and more than one guest has caught a glimpse of her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

But Zoe isn’t the only ghost. There’s also Poogan—the dog for whom the restaurant is named. Poogan was a beloved neighborhood pet who passed away on the porch in 1979. Guests have felt his presence, especially when they feel a furry brush against their legs while dining. It’s safe to say that a meal at Poogan’s Porch might come with more than just excellent service.

Unitarian Church Cemetery: The Love Story of Annabel Lee

If you’re a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, you may already know the story of Annabel Lee, one of Charleston’s most enduring ghostly legends. Poe was stationed at nearby Fort Moultrie and is said to have fallen in love with a young Charleston girl. When her father discovered the romance, he forbade it, locking her away. She later died, and some believe Poe’s famous poem Annabel Lee was inspired by this tragic love story.

The girl, who many believe to be Annabel Lee, is said to haunt the Unitarian Church Cemetery. The overgrown graveyard, with its tangled vines and crumbling headstones, is the perfect setting for such a story. Visitors often report seeing a woman in white wandering the pathways, her face barely visible through the mist. If you visit late at night, you might catch a glimpse of her, but be warned—this cemetery has a way of making you feel as though someone, or something, is watching you.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon: Revolutionary Spirits

Charleston’s history is deeply rooted in the American Revolution, and no place tells that story better than The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Built in 1767, the Exchange once served as a customs house, and during the Revolutionary War, its dungeon was used to imprison soldiers, pirates, and local criminals. The conditions were brutal—disease, starvation, and torture were common, and many never left the dungeon alive.

Today, the Old Exchange is a museum, but it’s also one of the most haunted places in Charleston. Tourists have reported hearing screams from the dungeon, seeing shadowy figures, and even feeling a ghostly hand push them as they explore the dark, damp corridors. The spirits here are not shy, and if you visit, don’t be surprised if you leave with more than just a history lesson.

Battery Carriage House Inn: A Stay with Spirits

If you’re in the mood for a haunted stay, book a room at the Battery Carriage House Inn. This historic inn is known not only for its beauty but for its ghosts. Room 8 is infamous for the apparition of a headless torso, believed to be the spirit of a Civil War soldier who died nearby. Guests have woken up in the middle of the night to see the terrifying figure floating beside their beds.

Room 10, on the other hand, is haunted by a friendlier ghost. The so-called “Gentleman Caller” is known to gently stroke women’s hair as they sleep. Though it sounds unsettling, many visitors describe the experience as oddly comforting. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the Battery Carriage House offers a ghostly encounter you won’t soon forget.

Angel Oak: Ancient Spirits in an Ancient Tree

Not all hauntings in Charleston take place within the confines of a building. On John’s Island, you’ll find Angel Oak, a massive live oak tree that’s estimated to be over 500 years old. It’s one of the oldest living things in the country, and while it’s a popular tourist spot during the day, it takes on a very different energy at night.

Locals tell stories of glowing figures that appear in the branches and fiery faces that flicker in the twilight. The spirits are believed to be tied to the land, perhaps those who lived—and died—near the tree centuries ago. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that Angel Oak has a presence, a weight to it, that’s hard to explain.

Dock Street Theatre: Ghosts of the Stage

Charleston’s Dock Street Theatre has seen its fair share of tragedy over the years. Built in 1809, it has burned down, been rebuilt, and hosted countless performances. But some say the real drama unfolds after the curtain falls. Ghosts are known to haunt the rafters, and actors have reported seeing strange apparitions during rehearsals.

One of the theatre’s most famous ghosts is Nettie Dickerson, a woman of ill repute who died in the 1800s. Legend has it that she appears on stage, still seeking the spotlight she never found in life. Visitors have seen her wandering the balconies in a red dress, her figure disappearing as soon as they look twice. If you’re lucky enough to catch a performance here, keep an eye on the stage—you never know who, or what, might make a surprise appearance.

Conclusion: Charleston’s Ghostly Legacy

Charleston’s history is rich, complex, and at times, haunting. The stories I’ve shared are just a glimpse into the supernatural side of this beautiful city. Whether you’re looking for a spooky experience or simply want to explore the city’s haunted past, Charleston has no shortage of ghostly encounters waiting for you. And while I’ve spent years exploring every corner of this town, I can tell you one thing for sure—you never really know what you’ll find around the next corner.

So, whether you're drawn to the beauty of Charleston’s historic homes or the eerie tales that surround them, remember that here, the past is never too far away. And sometimes, it’s a little closer than you think.