The Great Shake & Disastrous History
- October 9, 2025
- October 22, 2025
Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park
1 Vendue Range
Charleston, SC
1 Vendue Range
Charleston, SC
From the earthquake of 1886, to the fires, hurricanes, and floods that have tested its spirit again and again
Step back in time and uncover the dramatic events that shook Charleston (literally and figuratively) to its core. Join local guide Lee Ann Bain for a captivating walking tour that explores the city’s long and turbulent history of natural disasters.
From the catastrophic earthquake of 1886 that rocked Charleston to its foundations, to the roaring fires, punishing hurricanes, and devastating floods that have tested its spirit again and again, this tour reveals the city’s stories of survival, destruction, and resilience.
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Tour Information:
- Location: The tour will meet at and depart from the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park, located at 1 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
- Parking: The nearest parking garage is the East Bay/Prioleau Garage located at 25 Prioleau Street, approximately a 3-minute walk away from the meeting point. Metered street parking is also available in the area but is very limited – please abide by all street signage and parking regulations.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are available on the ground floor of the East Bay/Prioleau parking garage. There are no bathroom breaks during the tour, please plan accordingly.
- Check-In: Check-in takes place at the meeting location at the beginning of the tour. There are no physical tickets, and printed confirmations are not required. All guests will be checked in will-call style using the first and last name on the ticket order.
- Other: Tours last between 2-2.5 hours and typically require 6 or more blocks of walking, often over uneven streets and sidewalks. No interiors are included. We suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a bottle of water.
- Weather: Tours go on rain or shine. Prepare for inclement weather, if forecasted. The Preservation Society reserves the right to cancel the tours if dangerous or threatening conditions arise. If the tour is cancelled by the PSC, all ticket holders will be contacted, and refunds will be available.
- Cancellations & Refunds: All sales are final. Refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis until September 1. After September 1, guests who notify the office in advance may either exchange their tickets for a comparable tour if space is available or convert their tickets to a tax-deductible charitable donation. Most tours run a waitlist once sold out – if you are no longer able to attend, please let us know so your space may be released.
