CHARLESTON CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two Hours Through Charleston’s Wartime Layers: From Beauregard’s Vantage to the Hunley Graves
A focused 2-hour specialty tour (standard rate $125/hour) that traces Charleston’s Civil War story, visits the Edmond-Alston House and Magnolia Cemetery, and situates the city’s long siege for travelers who want a compact, expert-led history.
Two Hours Through Charleston’s Wartime Layers: From Beauregard’s Vantage to the Hunley Graves.
Explore Charleston's rich Civil War history on a captivating two-hour tour. Discover the city's pivotal role in the conflict, visit the historic Edmond-Alston House, and pay respects at Magnolia Cemetery, the final resting place of the Hunley crews. Experience a unique journey through time in this storied city.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Edmond-Alston House — Beauregard’s Vantage
Visit the Edmond-Alston House, the documented place from which General P. G. T. Beauregard watched the 34-hour bombardment of Fort Sumter — a quiet domestic interior that opens onto a pivotal military moment.
Magnolia Cemetery and the Hunley Crews
Pause at Magnolia Cemetery to find the graves of the three submarine Hunley crews and reflect on the human cost of innovation and conflict in Charleston's maritime history.
Charleston Under Fire
Understand the scale of the conflict: South Carolina was first to secede, the city endured a prolonged bombardment—587 days during the last two years of the war—and the tour interprets what life was like for Charlestonians during and after those years.
What the day feels like
What the Two-Hour Specialty Tour Feels Like
This concise, guided experience compresses a complex civic and military history into two hours: the guide leads you between landmark sites, anchors stories in specific buildings and gravesites, and reconstructs moments such as Beauregard’s observation of the Fort Sumter bombardment while framing the long shadow of a 587‑day siege.
THE HOUSE
Edmond-Alston House — Beauregard’s Vantage
Visit the Edmond-Alston House, the documented place from which General P. G. T. Beauregard watched the 34-hour bombardment of Fort Sumter — a quiet domestic interior that opens onto a pivotal military moment.
THE REMEMBRANCE
Magnolia Cemetery and the Hunley Crews
Pause at Magnolia Cemetery to find the graves of the three submarine Hunley crews and reflect on the human cost of innovation and conflict in Charleston's maritime history.
THE SIEGE
Charleston Under Fire
Understand the scale of the conflict: South Carolina was first to secede, the city endured a prolonged bombardment—587 days during the last two years of the war—and the tour interprets what life was like for Charlestonians during and after those years.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this specialty tour — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Standard specialty tours run two hours and are priced at $125 per hour; additional fees and admissions may apply (exceptions: Christmas Tour and Culinary Tour). If your party exceeds six people, contact the operator.
All tours are charged at the $125/hour base rate plus any applicable admissions—confirm group size and any site-entry fees when you book.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
This is a 2-hour tour.
What does the tour cost?
Tours are $125 per hour plus any additional fees and admissions; the Christmas Tour and the Culinary Tour are exceptions to standard fee rules.
What sites will we visit?
Key stops include the Edmond-Alston House and Magnolia Cemetery, where the Hunley crews are buried, along with other city locations that interpret Charleston's bombardment and civilian experience.
Are there limits on group size?
If your party is larger than six people, please call the operator to make arrangements.
Which historical periods are covered?
The tour focuses on Charleston's Civil War history and related local events identified by the operator.
Who operates this specialty tour?
The tour is operated by Exclusively Charleston.