Heart Of Charleston Walking Tours

11/10/2024

Happy birthday to the Navy’s little brother, the United States Marine Corps!

11/05/2024

As the weather cools down many of us enjoy a nice whiskey by the fire, but how familiar are you with some of the legends surrounding it? From the wild west to prohibition whiskey in the US has a fascinating history, whether you partake or not.
Many are familiar with the myth that the term "shot" originated in the Wild West when cowboys would pay for a small shot of whiskey with a bullet because they were the same price. While plausible this story is most likely false as the term was used before the Wild West. Dr. Jehu Z. Powell mentions an instance in his book which took place in 1857, in which an armed group of teetotalers in New Waverly, Ind. shot at a barrel of “red eye” whiskey in an effort to prevent the spirit from ever being drunk. Powell claims that after that altercation, “When the boys wanted a drink, they would ask for a ‘shot of red eye.’”
Another possible origin is the fact that inkwells were often weighed down with shot to prevent them tipping over and spilling.
There is also another common belief that the term originates from the practice of placing a small glass on the table during meals for bird shot and buckshot to be placed in that would be present in game meat.
The laws of Prohibition criminalized the manufacture, sale, and purchase of alcohol; though it did not mention consumption or gifts. The citizens of Charleston, SC quickly capitalized on these loopholes, being a major port city after all. In Charleston during Prohibition alcohol was smuggled in through the marshes and tunnels dug under buildings. This alcohol would then be distributed as "gifts" at establishments called "Blind Tigers" where patrons would pay to watch a blind tiger dance and perform tricks. Then the patron would be told the blind tiger was sick and given a "complimentary" beverage. The Blind Tiger pub on Broad street claims to be one of these former speakeasies and still serves some great cocktails to this day.
Join us on one of our Pirates, Patriots, and Prohibition tours to learn more about the criminal underworld in Charleston, as well as tales of great villainy and heroism.

11/02/2024

This is the poem I mentioned earlier. It is about the battle of Flanders’ Field in WWI and the foundation of the poppy tradition. With Veterans Day approaching let us never forget those who have served.
WWI ended over 100 years ago on 11th minute, of the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918 and we should never overlook their sacrifice, even though WWII would usher in an even greater evil. In Europe the 11th of November is still called Armistice Day celebrating the end of the Great War; here in the United States we call it Veterans Day. This day is for all those who served, THANK YOU!
As you enjoy your upcoming holiday weekend please say a prayer for those keeping us safe who can’t enjoy it, this is their day. Please thank a Veteran today and never forget 11:11 /11/11/1918.

11/02/2024

The poppy has long been a symbol of sacrifice, honor, and a grateful nation. The tradition began near the end of WWI to commemorate fallen allied soldiers. It was inspired by the poem “Flanders Field” which mentions poppies growing on the graves of the fallen.

10/13/2024

Happy Birthday Navy! On October 13th 1775 the United States Navy was formed thus birthing what is still today the world’s superior Navy. The Naval Jack has the rattle snake stretched out rather than coiled like the Gadson flag because the snake is swimming.

09/11/2024

On this day 23 years ago my life changed forever. I went to bed the night before excited about an upcoming horse show, woke up and got showered and ready for school then everything changed. I was a high school senior at a boarding school 3 hours outside of Manhattan on Long Island. K
When we were told a plane had hit the World Trade Center we originally thought it was a joke because our friend that told us had a dark sense of humor, but it was no joke. Next we figured it was a small private aircraft, tragic for those aboard but it wasn’t until we were able to see the footage that we realized how bad it was. At the time the second plane had not hit yet and we still thought it was a horrible accident; I was watching live as the second plane hit and I continued watching until I saw them collapse. It was now clear this was not an accident but an attack.
We learned of the news of flight 93 and were both saddened but also bolstered by the resolve and heroism of those on board. The attack on the pentagon had us terrified of a possible invasion, and the smoke from the towers traveled all the way out to the end of Long Island and engulfed our school. Thousands of lives snuffed out in a second.
The United States was no longer safe, we could be attacked on our home soil. There was no security or safety to expect anymore. The profound sense of loss even of those I did not know overwhelmed me, and still does on this day.
These attacks were the motivating factor in my decision to serve in the Navy. May we never forgot the horrors and evil that were brought to our country by evil men and the unity of our great nation in response to it. We did not let ourselves get beaten, we stood up and fought back. I truly pray for the rest of all the victims and for peace to their families.

09/06/2024

This is a very interesting article. As a submarine sailor I do have one correction though, the U-boats were in reality submarines. Other than that this is an excellent article about a forgotten part of WWII.
Charleston experienced similar attacks off of our coast as we have a large port and a navy base which closed under Clinton. In fact the US Coast Guard sunk a German U-Boat off the coast of Charleston.
I remember seeing the oily black sand from those battles as child still remaining 50 years later. I also remember air raid practices at my grandparents beach house during the Cold War, or perhaps that was the evacuation warning ahead of hurricane Hugo on the 29'th of this month in 1989.
Of course it could be both as I do remember a Yugoslavian freighter that was forced to remain anchored in Charleston with the US military onboard, because it was caught with little cargo but lots of antennas.
Charleston also has one of the crown Jewels of Naval Firsts, the C.S.S. Hunley. The C.S.S. Hunley was the first successful combat submarine in History. She was powered by hand and sank twice before her final crew sank the USS Housatonic on February 17th 1864 and then was lost with all hands. Twenty one confederate soldiers, sailors, and privateers went on eternal patrol in the Hunley's three sinkings.
The Turtle may have been the first successful submarine but she was useless in combat. The Hunley was the first ever successful combat submarine in history and birthed what would become the most formidable submarine force on the planet today, the United States Navy's Silent Service.
During WWII Submariners represented 1% of the US Navy, yet this 1% was responsible for almost one hundred thousand Japanese kills. This statistic is over 60% of all Japanese Naval losses. However 53 submarinres were lost with all hands in WWII and the USS Thresher and Scorpion were lost during the Cold War.
To all who have lost their lives in service to their country, we thank you! Our Lord we cry to Thee for those on land, in air, at sea.

While World War II wasn't exactly a secret, one u-boat battle off the US coast went down behind the scenes in a secret war.

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July from Heart of Charleston Walking Tours!

06/29/2024

Happy Carolina Day!!

A Carolina Day message from Heart of Charleston Walking Tours.

06/16/2024

06/16/2024

Happy Father's Day from Heart of Charleston Walking Tours!

06/13/2024

Pretty cool trivia

06/10/2024

Did you know that all of our tours are pet friendly? Well, they are!! Don't leave your fur baby at home when they can join you on your tour.

*All pets must follow City of Charleston regulations and be leashed during the tour.
For more information:
https://library.municode.com/sc/charleston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CICO_CH5AN

06/03/2024

Some photos of the interior of the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Did you know June is the moth of the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Also there is only one Catholic diocese for the entire state of South Carolina, the Diocese of Charleston. We fall under the archdiocese of Atlanta.
Why is this? Because under British rule the colony of Carolina (which would later be separated in the 1720’s into Georgia and the two Carolinas) was founded on religious freedom for everyone except Catholics. The Brits were afraid of allowing Catholics into the colony for fear of French and Spanish sympathy. Catholics were not allowed to openly worship until 1789.

05/27/2024

Happy Memorial Day! Please remember the reason for this day as you spend time with your friends and family. Many men and women have died for the freedoms that many Americans take for granted. People who never knew us were willing to die for us, today is about them.

05/25/2024

I only ask that while you enjoy this weekend you remember what it is about. This weekend is for those that died for our freedoms. One last thing; don’t thank veterans this weekend. We have our day in November, this day is for those that have died not those that survived.

11/11/2023

On this day in 1918 the guns of WWI finally fell silent on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. The gas cleared, the trenches were filled and the world was at peace for a time. However there will always be a need for warriors. In the words of Teddy Roosevelt “Speak softly but carry a big stick.” To all of my brothers and sisters in arms Both past and present I thank you! Enjoy this day, you’ve earned it!

05/29/2023

🇺🇸 We all remember our loved ones, but let us never forget the sacrifice of those who were never identified. and the suffering their families endured. This video tells their story. Please remember them today. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Others have made the ultimate sacrifice so that you could be free. Remember them—today, and always. A moving tribute, written and narrated by former Navy…