The old jail was built in 1802 and finally closed in 1939. During that time thousands of prisoners were locked here. The was also a work house for people considered to be runaway slaves on the property. Hard to imagine but the work house was much more brutal than the jail itself.

Though the last prisoners here were in 1939 there are still reminders people lived here. In the cells and barred rooms the walls have signs of the past.

Lines and symbols, perhaps marking time are here.

We also found names and dates etched into the old cement and plaster.

Even near the high air vents were scratched symbol, and names.

All of this will be gone in a few short months which was why we were here, to document history before another piece is gone.

Note; The old Charleston Jail is being renovated to be used for commercial purposes. A small group was invited to visit and photograph the historical site before it is gone. This is part of that project.