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Old Powder Magazine

The oldest building in Charleston was used to store gunpowder during the American Revolution.

Charleston, South Carolina

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Old postcard of the Powder Magazine in front of the gates today.   Cartographer / Atlas Obscura User
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This odd-looking building was constructed to hold large amounts of gunpowder. It is the oldest surviving public building in the former Province of Carolina, and hasn’t held gunpowder since the Revolutionary War. 

This 300-plus-year-old building is 27 feet by 27 feet, with three-foot-thick walls that arched to the ceiling. If it were to explode, most of the explosive force would exit through the roof. To smother the fire, the arches are packed with several tons of sand. 

While open at times, there are no set hours posted. Today, it operates as a museum. 

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November 18, 2025

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