Charleston Secret Societies Walking Tour 2 hr - Image 1
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Charleston Secret Societies Walking Tour 2 hr

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Rated on 1 provider · Why

  • Charleston
  • 2 hrs
  • Updated November 1, 2026

Walk Charleston’s historic streets with local historian Chip Sturgis and uncover the secret societies that have shaped the city since 1729.

About this tour

Explore the hidden societies behind Charleston’s welcoming spirit on this 2-hour Charleston Secret Societies Walking Tour. In the Age of Sail, reaching the city was uncertain for immigrants, so people who arrived earlier formed groups to welcome newcomers. Over time, these charitable societies grew into members-only clubs that have helped guide Charleston since 1729.

Walk through the historic streets and past iconic landmarks with local author and historian Chip Sturgis. Along the way, hear how these organizations supported their communities and discover lesser-known stories that traditional history lessons often leave untold. The tour brings the city’s past to life where it happened, offering a fresh perspective for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Join the Charleston Secret Societies Walking Tour to connect with the people and organizations that quietly shaped the city. Meet at South State Bank, at the corner of Broad Street and Church Street, and set out to uncover a fascinating side of Charleston history.

Highlights

  • Uncover the charitable and fraternal societies that have shaped Charleston since 1729
  • Walk historic streets with local author and historian Chip Sturgis
  • Discover stories behind Charleston’s iconic landmarks

What's included

Included

  • Tour guide

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • Meeting point: South State Bank at the corner of Broad Street and Church Street in downtown Charleston
  • Wheelchair accessible, including transportation options and all areas and surfaces
  • Infants and small children can ride in a stroller
  • Service animals are allowed
  • Public transportation is available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How this score is calculated

This tour has no TourTruth score yet: Viator doesn't show a usable rating for it. It gets a score as soon as a provider lists one.

How the score works
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  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10. Tours without a usable provider rating are not scored.

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