Powder Magazine, Charleston

Powder Magazine, Charleston

Just a few blocks away from the bustling market area lies, quite simply, the oldest public building in the Carolinas. Surprisingly, the Powder Magazine remains relatively unknown to tourists and even some locals, possibly because it doesn't share the same prominence as Charleston's opulent house museums and charming streetscapes. And in truth, this utilitarian stucture predates Charleston's legendary aesthetic charm, reflecting a time when the newly established English settlement prioritized self-defense and basic survival.

In the early 18th century, Charles Towne still faced threats from Spanish forces, hostile Indians, unruly groups of pirates, and occasional French attacks; it thus remained a walled city, fortified against unexpected assaults. In response to the governor's request for additional cannons and a secure supply of shot and gunpowder to "make Carolina impregnable", the Crown approved and funded the construction of the Powder Magazine in 1703. Its thick walls were designed to contain an explosion if its gunpowder stores were to detonate.

The Powder Magazine was overseen by the powder receiver, a newly appointed city official responsible for collecting a gunpowder tax levied on all merchant ships entering Charleston Harbor during this era. The building served its original purpose for many years but was eventually deemed unnecessary or too small, leading to its sale into private hands. A unique architectural structure, featuring multiple gables and a tile roof, it was almost forgotten by historians until the early 1900s when it was purchased by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of South Carolina.

Maintained and operated as a small museum until 1991, the structure suffered from water damage, roof deterioration, and the passage of time. The Historic Charleston Foundation, which leased the building from The Colonial Dames since 1993, undertook extensive restoration efforts. In the summer of 1997, the Powder Magazine was reopened to the public, featuring a new interactive exhibit that interprets Charleston's early years when it was still a relatively rudimentary colonial outpost of the British Empire. Next door, the privately owned Trott's Cottage, dating back to 1709 and considered Charleston's first brick dwelling, offers further historical context.

Tip:
They have a cool gift shop that's specially themed for pirate lovers – check it out.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charleston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Powder Magazine on Map

Sight Name: Powder Magazine
Sight Location: Charleston, USA (See walking tours in Charleston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Charleston, South Carolina

Create Your Own Walk in Charleston

Create Your Own Walk in Charleston

Creating your own self-guided walk in Charleston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
French Quarter Walking Tour

French Quarter Walking Tour

A historic district in downtown Charleston, The French Quarter is named so for the high concentration of French merchants that once lived in the area and left their mark on it. The name was coined in 1973, when preservation efforts began for warehouse buildings on the Lodge Alley block. That same year the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Historical Houses Tour

Historical Houses Tour

Charleston is steeped in history. Walking the colorful, narrow cobblestone streets of one of America's oldest towns, with its stunningly preserved colonial homes, you can see its story play out before your eyes practically everywhere you turn. Indeed, Charleston is among the most celebrated places in the U.S. to explore fine examples of American architecture and its progression through time.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Harleston Village Walking Tour

Harleston Village Walking Tour

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At the heart of Harleston Village lies the College of Charleston, an esteemed institution of higher learning, established in 1770, adding a great deal of academic flair to the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Downtown Historical Churches Tour

Downtown Historical Churches Tour

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Among such temples of distinction is Saint Matthew's Church, an enduring symbol of Charleston's German Lutheran community. Its...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Charleston Introduction Walking Tour

Charleston Introduction Walking Tour

A popular tourist destination and a major port city in South Carolina, Charleston is fit to impress anyone with its Southern charm, friendliness, and rich history. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England, this was the first comprehensively planned town in America.

The city's significance in American history is tied to its role as a key slave trading port. The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles