How long is the Founding to Independence carriage tour?

The Founding to Independence tour runs 40 minutes from boarding to drop-off. Departures leave every 15–30 minutes from 14 Anson St., daily from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. There are no scheduled breaks during the 40-minute ride, so plan a restroom stop in our boarding building before you board.

Is the Founding to Independence tour available year-round?

Yes — the tour runs daily, year-round, with limited holiday closures. Evening departures (5:30–7:30 pm) are the standard schedule April through October; winter departure windows shift slightly with daylight. Check live availability and book at oldsouthcarriage.com or call (843) 723-9712.

What landmarks will I see on the Founding to Independence tour?

The route weaves through Charleston's Historic District past landmarks tied to America's founding — including St. Michael's Church, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, the Powder Magazine (the oldest public building in the Carolinas), the Four Corners of Law, Washington Square, Circular Congregational Church, Hibernian Hall, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Broad Street, the U.S. Customs House, and Waterfront Park with glimpses of Charleston Harbor. The City of Charleston randomly assigns routes to all carriage operators to evenly distribute traffic — your specific stops will vary, but every Founding to Independence route is anchored to Revolutionary-era sites.

How much does the Founding to Independence carriage tour cost?

Tickets start at $45 for adults (ages 12+) and $40 for children (ages 4–11); infants under 4 ride free. A family of four (two adults + two children) is $170 — about $30 less than comparable Charleston evening carriage tours. Booking online saves $2 per person.

Is the Founding to Independence carriage tour wheelchair and mobility accessible?

Yes. All Old South carriages board from an elevated platform at our 14 Anson St. location, which removes the step-up that traditional curb-boarding requires. We can accommodate guests with limited mobility, walkers, and most folding wheelchairs — call ahead at (843) 723-9712 so we can have staff ready to assist.

What happens if it rains during my tour?

Tours run rain or shine in light or moderate weather — our carriages have rain curtains and we'll keep you covered. If the tour is canceled due to severe weather, you can reschedule online any time before your tour or take a full refund under our Best Cancellation Policy. No fees, no fine print.

Where do I park, and where does the tour depart?

All Founding to Independence tours board at 14 Anson St., Charleston, SC 29401, near the historic City Market. Closest paid parking is the Cumberland Street Garage (just over a block away) and the Aquarium Garage at 24 Calhoun St. Street parking around Anson and Market fills fast in the evening — plan to arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.

What should I bring or wear on the tour?

Dress for the weather — Charleston evenings can swing 20°F between April and November, so a light layer is a smart call. Bring water, your phone or camera (the gas-lit Historic District is photogenic at dusk), and comfortable shoes if you're walking to or from the carriage barn. No outside food on the carriage. The 40-minute ride is short enough that strollers and large bags are best left in your car.

Charleston's Founding to Independence Historic Tour

New Tour! Charleston's Founding to Independence Tour — starting at 5:30pm daily

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From Colonial Beginnings to the Revolutionary Era

Charleston played a central role in shaping the early American experience.

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, you can travel through the heart of historic Charleston and uncover the vital role this harbor city played in the nation’s founding. Relax on the most comfortable carriages in Charleston as you pass pastel-colored Georgian houses and antebellum mansions. Come explore historic cobblestone streets in the shade of expansive Southern live oaks with an expert guide.

As the sun sets and the street gas lamps flicker on in orbs of warm light, pause beside some of Charleston’s oldest buildings. Listen as your guide breathes new life into the city’s storied past against the rhythmic sound of horse hooves clopping along the cobblestone. This carriage tour explores Charleston’s journey from colonial settlement to Revolutionary War stronghold, revealing how its port, defenses, and patriotic leaders helped launch a new nation.

Charleston’s Founding to Independence Carriage Tour

From $45 / Adult (ages 12+)

From $40 / Child(ages 4-11)•$0 / Infant(ages 0-3)

Your expert guide will regale you with stories of the people, places, and moments that defined the city’s place in American history.

40-Minute Tour
Location: The Historic Downtown Charleston District
Capacity: Up to 16 passengers
Duration: 40 minutes
Available daily, typically 4:30 - 7 pm. Departs every 15 to 30 minutes
Charleston's most comfortable carriages
Starts 1 block from the Charleston City Market at 14 Anson St.

Free cancellation and best-price guarantee.

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Essential Information to Plan Your Visit

Meet at Old South Carriage 14 Anson St., Charleston
Arrive 10 minutes before your tour.
We are proud to offer guests a comfortable, indoor meeting location with seating and restrooms.

Parking Tips

Find parking lots and garages near us using Parkopedia.
City-metered street parking is free on Sundays.
You can also park at the Visitor’s Center and ride the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) to the Market.

For Your Comfort

Restrooms: A restroom is available in our building at 14 Anson St. There will be no scheduled breaks during the 40-minute tour.
Accessibility: Everyone boards our carriages from an elevated platform accessed via an inclined ramp. Deboarding occurs from a different elevated platform with three steps and a handrail to ground level. Guests with mobility issues will find that our accessibility accommodations rank among the best within the carriage tour industry.
Drinks: You can purchase water at our office or bring your own (non-alcoholic) beverage for the journey. We donate 25 cents of each bottled beverage sold to Water Missions International.
Carriages: Our carriages are built for the comfort of our passengers with foam-padded leather seats with backrests and a rooftop to protect against intense sunshine or rain. There's plenty of legroom even for tall folks!

Planning for the Weather

We operate rain or shine with your safety in mind. Carriages are covered, and rain ponchos are available on-site for $5.00.
In the event of lightning, or when determined by the City of Charleston ordinance, carriage tours will be canceled. You’ll be notified in advance if a tour will be canceled.

Terms and Release of Liability

By purchasing tickets for any horse-drawn carriage tour with Old South Carriage Company, participants acknowledge and accept all risks and liabilities associated with the tour, horses, and its properties. Old South Carriage Company is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur; and participants agree to release Old South Carriage Company and its employees from all liability. For more information, please visit our Terms and Release of Liability page.

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