South of Broad in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Tavern

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 20, 2011

1. The Tavern Marker

Inscription.
Through recently discovered documents and maps found in Scotland and the Netherlands, a Seafarer's Tavern was on this site in or around 1686.

Located on Charleston's working waterfront for three centuries, it has had many names: The Tavern on the Bluff's, Harris's Tavern, Mrs. Coates Tavern by the Bay, and more that have been lost to time.

In 1903 it became a "Whiskey Store". During Prohibition liquor still flowed thanks to the intrepid rum runners. Following Repeal, The Tavern returned legally, and has been found to be the nation's oldest Spirits Establishment in continuous operation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1686.

Location. 32° 46.583′ N, 79° 55.6′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in South of Broad. Marker is at the intersection of East Bay Street and Exchange Street, on the right when traveling north on East Bay Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 East Bay Street, Charleston SC 29401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. As Old as Charleston (here, next to this marker); Convention on Ratification (within shouting distance of this marker); Walker, Evans & Cogswell Company (within shouting distance

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of this marker); Lee Cohen Harby (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker); One Broad Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Bank of the United States (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 83-107 East Bay Street Rainbow Row (about 300 feet away); Slave Auctions (about 300 feet away); One North Adger's Wharf (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 20, 2011

2. The Tavern Marker

120 East Bay Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 20, 2011

3. 120 East Bay Street

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,168 times since then and 155 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 8, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.