It was, sadly, our last day in Charleston. We had two adventures planned. The first one was at the Provost Office – The Exchange – The Dungeon. There was a couple that we met and kept bumping into each other again and again. They said how much they liked it so we did some research and put it on our schedule for first thing Thursday.
The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, also known as the Custom House, and The Exchange, is a historic building at East Bay and Broad Streets. South Carolina delegates to the First Continental Congress were elected here in 1774. The Declaration of Independence was presented to citizens from the steps. In addition, the U.S. Constitution was ratified in the Great Hall. President George Washington entertained here in 1791. The cellar was used as a Provost prison by the British during the Revolution. Pirates were imprisoned on this site in 1718.
The common room downstairs was bigger than the whole first floor of my house, and tastefully furnished. It would be nice to have that much room just to hang out! In the middle hallway was the post office, and upstairs were the meeting rooms. The views were great from the old, beveled windows. I even signed the Declaration of Independence!
The actual tour was in the dungeon. There were poster boards all around explaining who would have been held in the dungeon and why: British soldiers and their aids, pirates, soldiers and camp followers (women who traveled with the army). One man even dressed up a baboon to look like a soldier. Charleston also had their own Tea Party – but it didn’t get the attention that Boston did. They stole the tea, hid it in the Exchange, and later sold it and used the proceeds for the revolution!
The provost supervised comings and goings of shipments/goods, and also prisoners. There was also a powder magazine hidden in the back wall that was not obvious to British soldiers – it was kept carefully hidden for years!
The Exchange was also used for Slave Trade – one of the largest slave trade sites in the country. About 40% of all the slaves sold to the 13 colonies came through the port of Charleston. People’s fate were often decided here.
Again I will say that being raised in the North and then being immersed in Southern history gives our country’s history a whole new focus. When we left the Exchange, Paul headed one way to explore and sit on a shady bench while Kath and I went the other way – toward the Battery – to find our second destination.
Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning. Mind His Business. That will make us mind OUR business. Jesus instituted a plan specifically for us – be what God made you to be; Don’t copy others, be you! We are created for a purpose, follow Him & He’ll make you what He wants you to be. Bloom where you are planted; use your gifts. Don’t be distracted by looking at others. Focus on Jesus. Don’t delay – GET IT DONE! Don’t put it off; prepare for the future. He’ll go with you. You may not understand everything – just trust. Jesus said “FOLLOW ME” – Follow God’s plan for your life. It’s not always easy or good – but it’s right!
Check out Vacation Day #5, #2 – Post #8 for the rest of day five’s adventures!
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