Exchange and Provost facts for kids
|
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
|
|
|
U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
|
.jpg)
Exchange and Provost in 1977
|
|
 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | E. Bay and Broad Streets, Charleston, South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Built | 1767 |
| Architect | William Rigby Naylor |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Charleston Historic District (ID66000964) |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000160 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | December 17, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | November 7, 1973 |
| Designated NHLDCP | October 9, 1960 |
The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, also known as the Custom House or The Exchange, is a very old and important building in Charleston, South Carolina. It stands at the corner of East Bay and Broad Streets. This building was constructed between 1767 and 1771. Over the years, it has been used for many different public purposes.
One of its most notable uses was as a prison for captured soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. British forces held prisoners of war here. Because of its historical importance, the building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Today, the Old Exchange is a museum. It is managed by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a group dedicated to preserving American history.
Contents
What Does the Old Exchange Look Like?
The Old Exchange is on the east side of Charleston's historic downtown area. It is a two-story building made of strong stone or brick. It has a sloped roof with a small tower, called a cupola, on top. The building sits on a tall brick basement.
The front of the building faces west. It has a part that sticks out in the middle with three sections. The main doors are set back in three round arch openings on the first floor. The second floor has windows with columns, called Ionic pilasters, between them. The sides of the building each have a large, fancy window, known as a Palladian window. These windows sit on a brick base with a decorative railing.
A Look Back: The History of the Old Exchange
The Old Exchange was built by the government of South Carolina between 1767 and 1771. For many years in the 1700s, it served various community roles. It was a custom house, where taxes on goods were collected. It also served as a public market and a place for public meetings. Sometimes, it even acted as a jail.
The Old Exchange During the American Revolution
During the American Revolution, the building played a key role. In 1774, tea that was taken from British ships was stored here. Important meetings of South Carolina's revolutionary leaders also took place inside. When the British army took control of Charleston in 1780, they used the building as a place for their soldiers to stay. The basement of the building became a military prison.
In 2012, a study looked into how the building was used as a British prison. The study found that the British began holding prisoners in the Exchange soon after capturing Charleston. They didn't just use the "dungeon" area. Researchers found records of at least 120 prisoners held there. However, many more prisoners were likely held whose names are not known. The prison was not only for American colonists. Some British soldiers were also held there.
Important Events After the Revolution
In 1788, the Old Exchange hosted the South Carolina meeting to approve the Constitution of the United States. This was a very important step in forming the United States. The building was also central to George Washington's visit to Charleston. He stayed for a week and was greeted by a large crowd from the building's balcony.
The building continued to be used as an Exchange into the 1800s. It also became a post office during this time. For many years, sales of enslaved people happened outside or just north of the building. People visiting the post office would often see these gatherings. In the 1800s, the postmaster protected the building's mail from angry groups. These groups were upset about anti-slavery writings being sent through the mail.
The Old Exchange in Later Wars
During the American Civil War, the building continued to be a post office for the Confederate side. However, it was hit by several cannon shells during the war. Because of the damage, it was left empty for a time.
In 1913, the building was given to the Daughters of the American Revolution. They have worked to protect and preserve it ever since. In World War I, the building served as the army headquarters for General Leonard Wood. It also housed the United States Lighthouse Service, which had been there since the late 1800s. During World War II, the Old Exchange was a place for soldiers to relax and eat. It also served as a coastal lookout station for the United States Coast Guard. In 1965, an old fort from 1698, called the Half-Moon Battery, was found underneath the building.
Changes to the Building Over Time
The building's first cupola, or small tower, was damaged by a hurricane in the early 1800s. The second one wore out before the big earthquake of 1886. A third cupola was not added until 1981. This was when the building officially opened as a museum.
The South Carolina Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution owns the building. They offer guided tours where people in costumes tell stories about the building's history. These tours include all three floors. The Provost Dungeon once had moving figures that told stories of pirates and colonial times. Now, guides lead personal tours through the dungeon instead.
See Also
