Charleston: Black History Walking Tour & Lost Stories

Summary

Walk Charleston’s streets hearing lost Black voices & stories

You’ll walk Charleston’s historic streets hearing lost Black voices come alive through Damon Fordham’s storytelling. Visit places like City Market, Heyward-Washington House, and Waterfront Park while learning what history books left out. Expect honest moments—some heavy, some quietly moving—and leave seeing Charleston differently than when you arrived.

What’s the experience like?

“If these streets could talk…” That’s how Damon started, standing right by the Charleston City Market with that slow smile of his. I’d read about the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour, but honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so much just listening. The bricks felt warm under my feet, and there was this faint smell of pralines drifting out from a nearby shop — mixed with something older, heavier in the air. Damon pointed at a corner most folks just walk past, and suddenly it was alive with stories about Jehu Jones and Catfish Row. I tried to picture those scenes he described — sometimes I caught myself staring too long at a window or a patch of shade.

We passed the Heyward-Washington House (I probably wouldn’t have noticed it without Damon), and he told us about Thomas Heyward Jr., but then shifted right back to the people who rarely got their names carved anywhere. There was this moment outside the Old Slave Mart Museum where nobody said anything for a bit — just the sound of our shoes on the sidewalk and some gulls overhead. It hit different than reading it in a book, you know? Someone’s phone buzzed and we all kind of laughed nervously, which broke the tension for a second.

By the time we reached Waterfront Park, I realized I’d been walking through layers of history without even noticing half of them before. Damon shared stories about Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church that made me want to look up more later (I still have one quote scribbled in my notes). The breeze off the harbor felt good after all that heaviness — like you could almost breathe out some of what you’d taken in. Not sure I’ll ever walk these streets again without thinking about who walked them before me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore black Charleston's lost stories

• Meet guide Damon Fordham
• Visit Charleston City Market
• See Jehu Jones Hotel and Catfish Row
• Pass Heyward-Washington House
• Tour Old Slave Mart Museum
• Walk Charleston Waterfront Park

Top questions

How long is the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Who leads this Black history walking tour in Charleston?

The tour is led by author, historian, educator, and licensed guide Damon Fordham.

What sites are included on this walking tour?

You’ll visit or pass places like Charleston City Market, Jehu Jones Hotel site, Catfish Row, Heyward-Washington House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and Waterfront Park.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include stories about Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church?

Yes, you’ll hear stories connected to Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church during the tour.

Can infants or small children join in strollers or prams?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with spinal injuries?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your 2-hour experience includes narration by writer and historian Damon Fordham as you walk past key sites like Old Slave Mart Museum and Heyward-Washington House; stories tied to Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church; plus time along Charleston Harbor through Waterfront Park—all at an easy pace suitable for most ages and fitness levels.