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Radcliffeburough

“The 1822 Charleston Tour”

The 1822 Tour of Charleston focuses on the historical conditions of Charleston in the early American Republic. The pivotal event of the planned slave insurrection and resulting court records is a crucial element of this tour. This historical tour intends to examine this event by examining and looking into Charleston in 1822.  [more info about this tour]


Exploring history through multiple voices from the past broadens our personal frames of reference andincreases our capacity for understanding. We recount past lives paying homage to the unremembered…

Memory is a force, to touch the unremembered is to empower yourself. History from the ground up highlights everyday heroes and expands our personal sense of the heroic. Our guides take a broad perspective to Charleston’s history. We focus on individual stories and their place in the wider national and global context across time. Our goal is to provide great value to your tour experience and broaden your historical perspectives.

We make history engaging, stimulating and captivating. Varied perspectives from multiple viewpoints is a guiding philosophy for our Cavalier guides. They are enthusiastic about sharing Charleston’s history to stimulate, and perhaps challenge your understanding of our shared history.

“History, as nearly no one seems to know, is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.” – James Baldwin (1965).

 Cost & Included Benefits

We appreciate your interest in our tours and programs. We are proud to provide a unique perspective and personal stories of Charleston, South Carolina unique history.

All of our Above Calhoun tours are $25 for a 1.5-hour walking history tour with a local guide.

Price includes a visit to one of three locations, The Charleston Museum, The Heyward-Washington House or the Manigault House

 

OUR COVID-19 POLICY

As Stories in the Cemetery and Charleston Cavalier Tours safely opens, we care about our guides and our guests. We will be asking you, the guest to adhere to the following guidelines for your Ghost Hunting Experience. We want you to have an unforgettable experience along with keeping everyone safe.

If you’re not feeling well, do not redeem your ticket voucher for Stories in the Cemetery. Please contact us and we will accommodate as best we can to suit your needs.

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:

·         Trouble breathing
·         Persistent pain or pressure in chest
·         New confusion or inability to arouse
·         Bluish lips or face

This is not an all-inclusive list and we urge you to seek medical treatment for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. Call 911 for medical emergency and notify the operator for any concerns dealing with COVID-19 symptoms.

All guests on the Stories in the Cemetery must meet the following requirements for the past 14 Days. By redeeming tickets and/or vouchers from third party websites, you agree that:

·         You have not traveled internationally
·         You have not traveled on a cruise ship or river boat
·         That a member of your household, intimate partner or other individuals that you have had contact, have not been diagnosed with symptoms of COVID-19 by a medical professional.
·         You have not tested positive for COVID-19 whether with symptoms or asymptomatic.
·         You have not had a temperature over 100.4.
·         You have not had a change in senses including loss of taste or smell.

Temperature of guests will be taken by the tour guide at the beginning of the tour by use of a contactless thermometer.

Failure to comply with temperature compliance of temperatures under 100.4 degrees will result in a forfeit of ticket and/or voucher through a third-party website without refund.

Guests will be required to respect social distancing measures of 6 feet apart.

Your tour guide will wear a mask and you are encouraged to do so as well. Please bring your own mask as they will NOT be provided.

Hand Sanitizer is available on this walking tour by your tour guide.

All equipment to be used including Grid Pens, Thermometers, Thermal Imaging Camera, Spirit Box, EMF Meters and other gadgets are all sanitized shortly before the tour using Lysol Disinfectant wipes for both your safety and the safety of others.

Black, white and Free Persons of Color Charlestonians lived Above Calhoun Street. Our historical walking tours in the areas around Upper King Street are filled with important people and places of African-American history.

Railroads and industry transformed the landscape into a ‘ new city’.  The working men and women labored within a growing urban metropolis, far different from the older, traditional port city. Merchant-planters laid out new lands for wood houses and churches above Boundary Street. Each one of these neighborhood has its own charm, architectural treasures, and personalities. By the 1850’s the were annexed by Charleston as the street was named Calhoun. 

 Reserve tickets below to join historical neighborhood tour that best fits your personal historical interests.

Each burrough, on the area commonly known as ‘The Neck’ has its own unique character, essence, and style. All of our tours provide a broad overview of the history of Charleston above Calhoun Street. However, each specific tour has a particular focus, primarily from the stories of their residents. Each tour provides a little more historical insight of a specific area of interest, while still engaging you with historical context and overview.  In many ways, each of these ‘burroughs’ is a small city unto itself, with its own charm and character. 

Purchase your place on one of our four tours with for to select a particular topic and focus that best fits your personal historical interests and curiosity.

Available Walking Tours

UNIQUE GHOST TOUR SPECIAL!

A tour unlike any other in Charleston!  This is an Interactive Ghost Hunting experience with local author, Nicholas A. McGirr.  You will accompany Nicholas using ghost hunting equipment, searching for paranormal activity in Charleston.

The weight of history enlightens us.*

*Hat tip Lord Acton: History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

Radcliffeburough

“The Charleston History Tour”

Booms and panics, merchants and mechanics, southern railroads and mosquito fleets are revealed in the stories of the men and women in this diverse neighborhood. A good general history tour of the Upper Peninsula across the 19th Century. Tour starts at Kudu Coffee, 4 Vanderhorst, off King Street, near Marion Square.

Elliotborough

“The Women’s History Tour”

This tour focuses on the white, free persons of color and black women that lived in the nearby area. It primarily covers the lives of women in the upper part of Charleston. This dynamic and diverse neighborhood provides the opportunity to change the perspective on Charleston history in many ways. Tour starts at Kudu Coffee, 4 Vanderhorst, off King Street, near Marion Square.

Cannonborough

“The Enterprise Tour”

The area of professionals of all stripes. Mills, colleges, arsenals, and hospitals. Explore parts of Ashley and Rutledge Avenue. A look at Charleston’s enterprising spirit from trade to medicine. Active and vibrant as the Ashley River with unique insights into Charleston. This tour begins at the small park at Calhoun and Ashley Avenue. There is a stop for the 213 Carta Dash Bus here.

Mazyck-Wraggborough

“The Contemplative Spiritual Tour”

The oak-covered streets make this a great afternoon tour in this quiet and serene, beautiful neighborhood. Lovely villas, grist mills, corner groceries, and Dereef Wharf. This tour concludes with a discussion of four important churches of Charleston, including the Mother Emanuel Church. Tour starts at Kudu Coffee, 4 Vanderhorst, off King Street, near Marion Square.

Hampstead Mall/Eastside

“Civil, educational and labor rights”

Factories and the lives of laborers lie within this area surrounded by grand houses built along the Cooper River. This is life between the tracks, merchants and mechanics, black craftsmen and German shopkeepers. This tour begins and ends at the Phillip Simmons house, with a tour of his home and a discussion of his gates and legacy.

 Cost & Included Benefits

We appreciate your interest in our tours and programs. We are proud to provide a unique perspective and personal stories of Charleston, South Carolina unique history.

All of our Above Calhoun tours are $25 for a 1.5-hour walking history tour with a local guide.

Price includes a visit to one of three locations, The Charleston Museum, The Heyward-Washington House or the Manigault House

 

Charleston’s history is dynamic and diverse. It is black, white and includes free persons of color. They all have played important roles in her maintenance, her institutions, and her culture. Enslaved agricultural labor enabled the accumulation of vast wealth which was the foundation of her economic success. Above Calhoun street, Charleston confronted the many changes of the 19th century and the challenges of the 20th. These neighborhoods were filled with everyday heroes working through the tumultuous forces that shaped our country and ourselves. Above Calhoun Street was a working, industrial city of mills, foundries, and factories. Movers and shakers of all races took on entrepreneurial adventures, built factories and organized professions.

Above Calhoun Street is where folks like butchers, bakers and candlestick makers made history. These neighborhoods provide a unique view of how women of all races were essential to the endurance and life of Charleston. They offer key insights into African-American history from the enslaved to key black Charlestonian leaders, educators and legislators. In addition, Charleston was one of the most prominent locations for Free Persons of Color in South Carolina and their stories reveal the rich complexity of urban life in growing Charleston. Come join us to hear these diverse and important stories from the upper burroughs of the Holy City.

The Upper King area of Charleston is filled with a great variety of historical voices and viewpoints. The residents of these burroughs challenged and inspired the Holy City. The late 18th century, merchant planters bestowed their names and laid out plots and streets in the tidal marshes above Boundary Street. They were planned as high-end suburbs by their namesake founders. It soon became the home of industry, technology, mills and factories and residential developments.  Here, black and white barged forward into the 19th century.

This was the ‘new city’ of Charleston confronting the past and creating the future. Political and social forces transformed the city.  New technologies and financial panics challenged the foundations of this world. These Upper Wards provide particular rich insight into the triumphs and struggles in the late 19th century and beyond. Key individuals fought for changed labor conditions, social advancement and civil rights here. Join one of our tour guides to discover the inventive and industrious, working class spirit of all her citizens

Choose a tour that meets your personal interests and discover a new perspective and alternative view of Charleston’s past.

The upper part of the Charleston peninsula was a prime location for Charleston’s black population across the 20th century. It is filled with African American history. Men and women, churches and businesses strove to maintain their communities and sought equality in the workplace and civic life. Municipal leaders and businessmen tried to enhance the city while struggling with the legacy of the past. Their rich and complex history is often overlooked and forgotten. It is a significant part of the city’s history and our national awareness. The shared memory of our past is powerful, challenging and empowering, especially from this most important and historic of American cities with a diverse and dynamic past.

 

SPECIAL PROGRAM Tours

We also work to coordinate our walking tours with special programs for educational or corporate groups to enhance your experience in Charleston.

You can also email us direct on:
Info@CharlestonCavalierTours.com

Special Programs

“A customized tour”

Contact one of our custom tour program representatives for a free 30-minute consultation. We will discuss our educational package designed for school groups or corporate outings. Our primary offering is a historic walking tour with a registered tour guide, admission to the Charleston Museum, and a sit-down museum program. The program will be specific to your particular historical interest or curriculum.

Choose a time below or email us at info@charlestoncavaliertours.com.

We appreciate your feedback that allows us to improve our services even better.