Charleston walking tour Civil War sites with history professor

Walk Charleston's Civil War history with someone who spent years in the archives

A historical walking tour of Charleston led by a Ph.D. historian from The Citadel, limited to 12 people and lasting three hours. The guide draws on thousands of hours of primary-source research to connect the sites — Fort Sumter, the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, St. Michael's Church, the Heyward-Washington House — to the events that shaped the nation. All fees and taxes are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Charleston historical walking tour

• Visit Mills House Hotel
• Learn about first North American theatre
• See one of Charleston's oldest buildings
• Explore historic square with monuments
• Discover building evolution to City Hall
• Learn about old South Carolina statehouse
• Visit Charleston's oldest church edifice
• See George Washington's Charleston stay
• Visit Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
• Learn about French Huguenot history
• Walk through French Quarter
• Discover seeds of disunion building
• View Fort Sumter from the Battery

The Experience

The tour starts in downtown Charleston and moves through the neighborhoods where the American Civil War began. You'll see Fort Sumter from the Battery on Charleston Harbor, the spot where the first shots were fired in 1861, then walk to the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon — the last public building the British built in North America and the place where the Constitution was ratified in 1788. The guide explains how these structures and the people who moved through them fit into the larger arc of American history, drawing on research most tour operators in the city don't have time to do.

The route also covers St. Michael's Church, completed in 1761 and Charleston's oldest church building; the Heyward-Washington House, where George Washington stayed during his 1791 visit; and the evolution of City Hall from its origins as a meat market and bank. You'll walk through the French Quarter, learn about the French Huguenots who settled there, and see the building where the ideological seeds of disunion were sown. The three-hour length — longer than most walking tours in town — makes room for the historical depth that comes from primary-source work rather than a script.

Groups stay under 12 people, which changes how the guide can teach. There's space for questions, and the smaller number means you're not navigating a crowd through narrow streets or waiting for stragglers at each stop. Children from age 7 are welcome. The tour includes all fees and taxes; you bring only yourself and comfortable walking shoes.

What’s included

• Three-hour guided walking tour of Charleston's Civil War and colonial sites.
• entry to Fort Sumter viewpoint, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, St. Michael's Church, Heyward-Washington House and other historic landmarks.
• all fees and taxes.
• live guide in English.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Charleston History Walk by Eric Lager, Ph.D.

Is this one for you?Choose this if you prefer a guide who draws on archival research to connect historical events across sites, rather than standard talking points—the smaller group size lets that depth happen without rushing.

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Top questions

What was Fort Sumter's role in starting the Civil War?

Fort Sumter National Monument is where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861. The tour views it from the Battery on Charleston Harbor rather than traveling out to the fort itself, and the guide explains the political and military events that led to that moment.

How long is the Charleston historical walking tour?

The tour runs three hours, which is longer than most walking tours offered in Charleston. The extra time allows the guide to cover more historical depth and context at each stop.

Can children go on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 7. The tour involves walking through downtown Charleston and stopping at various historic sites, so kids should be comfortable with a moderate amount of walking.

What's included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included in the tour price. You don't pay separately for entry to any of the sites visited.

Who leads the Charleston tour?

The guide holds a Ph.D. in history from The Citadel and has spent thousands of hours researching primary sources in the South Carolina archives. This background shapes how the tour connects each site to the broader historical narrative.

Does the tour involve climbing stairs or steep terrain?

The tour is a walking tour through downtown Charleston with multiple stops at historic buildings and sites. It requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.