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
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. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Historic Charleston and in the Lowcountry. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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
this page online
Photographed by Brian Scott, September 20, 2011
2. The Tavern Marker
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 2,285 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 8, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
