Every day we try to discover something new and today's 'score' was the Old Jail building (1802),the County Jail from its construction until 1939.
The Old Jail housed a great variety of inmates including some of the last 19th-century high-sea pirates who were imprisoned here in 1822 while they awaited hanging. It is one of more than 1400 historically significant buildings within the Charleston Old and Historic District.
Like a great deal of buildings here, it is in a state of repair. We were enthralled to discover workers crafting handmade, sun-baked, bricks to make it thoroughly authentic.
The park-like setting, rich history and ornate tombstones made Magnolia Cemetery a destination for us. It first opened in 1850 and is on the land of a former rice plantation. The property was designed during a new rural cemetery movement that crossed from Europe to America in the mid-19th century. With lovingly landscaped paths and ponds, trees and green space, Charlestonians would come to Magnolia to picnic and play, as well as visit lost loved ones.
South Carolina ranks third in lives lost on the Confederate side. It has been said as many men died in captivity during the Civil War as were killed in the whole of the Vietnam War. They estimate that over 3,000 Confederate soldiers are buried within the Soldier's Ground and privately owned family lots. In 1871, a women's group arranged for soldiers buried in Gettysburg to be returned home and interred here.
Again, we had a cemetery first with seeing this, the oldest building on the site (1850). The Receiving Tomb, just at the banks of the Cooper River marsh, was a building designed as a holding area for the deceased while a permanent grave was being prepared A receiving tomb was an important building in any graveyard that was subject to harsh winters. The bodies of those who died in the winter were stored here so that they could be buried in the spring when the ground was softer.
Everyone here knows of the H.L. Hunley. Its crew died in an age of horse-drawn simplicity. Here eight Confederate sailors rode to their fates in the H.L. Hunley, a technological marvel that changed the world. They made history when this Civil War submarine attached a torpedo to the hull of the U.S.S. Housatonic and detonated it. The Housatonic sank just off of Charleston, and the crew of the Hunley became the first submariners in history to sink an enemy ship. But for some reason, the Hunley also sank to the bottom and didn't come up. It wasn't until the year 2000 that the sub was finally found and it was until four years later that the crew was laid to rest. Oh the history here.
Dinner was at The Alley. This cool space is the first bowling alley in downtown since the 60s. On the calendar for tonight was the showing of the movie "Kingpin". The movie never happened but a delicious dinner did.
Described as, "The Alley Charleston is really one-of-a-kind not only for Charleston but the country. It’s not just a bowling alley; it’s a one-stop entertainment hub that has excellent food and beverage options. The space is bright, open and expansive and has whimsical design elements that add to the flavor and entertainment already offered." You have to love the whimsy.
This is not your usual alley food. We had loaded tater tots, ranch mac & cheese and a fried bologna sandwich. While we could hear our arteries hardening with each bite, we loved it all.
Just another great and diverse Charleston day.
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2 comments:
Looks yummy and fun. So fun to explore the beautiful area!
The Magnolia Cemetery pyramid tombstone was quite incredible. I had never heard of a Receiving Tombstone -- very intriguing. You are always teaching me new things. AND oh man, did the fried bologna sandwich take me back to my childhood. Although my bologna sandwiches weren't so deluxe! Ours were white bread, bologna and ketchup.
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