The Haunting of Poogan's Porch

Charleston County, Charleston, South Carolina

Poogan's Porch sits in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, housed within a stately Victorian residence built in 1888. Painted in soft Southern white and framed by an inviting wraparound porch, the home reflects the elegance of a bygone era. Towering windows, ornate woodwork, and gently creaking floors speak to more than a century of Charleston history.

Originally constructed as a private residence during the late 19th century, the house witnessed the transformation of Charleston from post-Civil War recovery into a thriving Southern city known for its architecture and hospitality. Like many historic homes in the area, it passed through various owners before eventually being converted into a restaurant in the 1970s.

The name “Poogan’s Porch” comes from a small, friendly dog named Poogan who belonged to the restaurant’s original proprietors. The dog was known for lounging on the front porch and greeting guests warmly, becoming a beloved fixture of the establishment. His presence gave the restaurant its charming name and added to the welcoming spirit that still defines the location.

Yet beneath its reputation for hospitality and Lowcountry cuisine lies a quieter legend. Local lore tells of Zoe St. Amand, believed to have once lived in the home before its conversion into a restaurant. According to tradition, Zoe was deeply attached to her residence and distressed when it was sold. Some versions of the story suggest she passed away shortly after losing ownership, her emotional connection to the house remaining strong even in death.

Employees over the years have shared stories of unexplained activity within the building. Staff members closing the restaurant late at night have reported hearing footsteps descending the staircase after the dining rooms were cleared. Others have described lights flickering in upstairs areas or doors gently opening and closing on their own.

A number of witnesses claim to have seen the figure of a woman dressed in period-style clothing standing near the upstairs hallway or moving quietly between rooms. The apparition, when described, is not portrayed as threatening but rather solemn — a calm presence lingering in familiar surroundings.

Customers have also reported subtle experiences: sudden cold spots near stairwells, the sensation of being observed, or the faint sound of movement above while seated at dinner. Some diners, unaware of the legend beforehand, have later learned of the story only after describing their own unexplained impressions.

Skeptics point to the realities of an aging Victorian structure. Old wood expands and contracts with humidity. Temperature fluctuations are common in historic homes. Charleston’s humid coastal climate can produce creaks and subtle shifts that mimic movement. In a city often labeled one of America’s most haunted destinations, expectation itself may heighten perception.

However, what makes Poogan’s Porch distinct is the gentleness of its legend. Unlike institutions marked by tragedy or sites associated with violent events, this story centers on attachment — a woman’s connection to her home and the comfort of familiar walls. If there is a lingering presence, many believe it reflects watchfulness rather than unrest.

Charleston’s layered history — from colonial beginnings to Civil War scars and modern preservation — gives its streets a certain atmospheric weight. Poogan’s Porch stands within that larger tapestry, its story woven into the broader folklore of the city.

Today, the restaurant remains a cherished culinary landmark, welcoming guests beneath its broad porch and into candlelit dining rooms. The building’s history adds depth to its charm, blending hospitality with legend in a way that feels uniquely Southern.

The haunting of Poogan’s Porch may not be one of fear, but of memory — of footsteps that echo softly through time, and of a home that perhaps never fully released the one who loved it most.

Visitor Information:
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Note: Poogan's Porch is an active restaurant in Charleston’s historic district. Visitors are encouraged to respect the property and check official hours before visiting.

The Haunting of the Meeting Street Inn

Meeting Street Inn – Charleston County, Charleston, South Carolina

Photograph ©Chasing Parades

Built in the 1870s, the Meeting Street Inn was originally constructed to house several different businesses on Meeting Street. Today, it is a thriving bed and breakfast, however, the spooks stay free of charge.

In room 303, guests and employees have claimed to be unexplainably locked out of the room. When the door was then unlocked using the master key, the door still would not open, as if someone were holding it closed from the other side. When someone ran at the door to break it down, imagine his or her surprise when the door swung wide open on its own!! After the room was inspected, there was no plausible explanation for this occurrence!

In room 107, a female entity made herself known by appearing in front of a vacationing couple, right at the foot of their bed! The couple described her as being a solid person from the waist up, however, the lower half of the woman was nearly transparent and completely invisible where her ankles and feet should have been. The shocked couple merely starred in horror as the apparition floated to the door, opened it and disappeared!

There are two other known spirits restlessly roaming the inn. These two entities are thought to be members of the family who originally built the three-story house and they don’t seem to be too much trouble.

Address:
173 Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Website

The Haunting of the Battery Carriage House Inn

Battery Carriage House Inn – Charleston County, Charleston, South Carolina

Photograph ©Kinggoji

Built in 1843, the carriage house inn houses eleven guest rooms and is located on a larger estate occupied by a private mansion. This main mansion was abandoned during the Civil War because it was so close to enemy lines at the time.

In 1870 a Union officer named Colonel Richard Lathers purchased the house, however, he later sold the house due to the enormous amount of money that it would take to renovate it.

In 1874 the mansion changed hands again, this time being purchased by Andrew Simonds and the estate stayed in the Simonds family until the late 1920’s and then abandoned again.

Today the place is owned by the Hasties’ who have restored the mansion to its former beauty.

How long the mansion has been haunted is unknown. All accounts are taken from recent reports beginning around 1992 when the house was renovated.

In the carriage house, many have reported seeing the apparition of a tall man dressed in an overcoat. This apparition has walked right up to guests who were in their bed in room 8. He is also known for heavy breathing. One guest was brave enough to reach out in an attempt to touch the restless spirit and was growled at by the entity before it quickly dissipated.

Another guest to stay in room 8, who I might add did not believe in ghosts, quickly changed his mind when a chair was thrown and crashed into a wall, the toilet seat slammed shut for no reason and he had the overwhelming feeling that something was hovering over him!

In room 10, guests have claimed to see the apparition of another man float right through the door and into their room. One guest reported that this same spirit lay right down in the bed!

Some of the other guests to room 10 have reported seeing a man in their peripheral vision and when they turned he quickly disappeared. Some guests have heard phantom footsteps inside of the room when no one else was there. Some have seen the shadow of a man on the wall when no man was standing in the room. Some have photographed orbs in the room. And, one woman tried to video tape the room in an attempt to catch the spirit on film but was shocked when she played the tape back and discovered that this same entity had stood right in front of the camera, blocking out everything in the cameras view and they could hear breathing!!

In the raised basement rooms, guests have claimed that their cell phone that was shut off, turned itself on in the early morning hours or they were awakened to the sound of running water but the sound stopped as the entered the bathroom and the inside of the sink and tub was still dry!

Reports still pour in from guests who have had their own paranormal experiences in the Carriage House Inn. Due to the age of the place and the fact that it survived the brutal Civil War, it’s really no surprise that it’s so active with restless spirits.

Address:
20 South Battery
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Website