Built in 1802 atop land previously used as a hospital, poorhouse and potter’s field, the Old City Jail is widely considered the most haunted building in South Carolina. It operated until 1939, housing pirates, Civil War POWs, slaves and notorious criminals; including Lavinia Fisher, often cited as America’s first female serial killer. Paranormal activity includes apparitions, disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, cold spots and violent physical contact. The Dark Cell, third-floor guard station, and basement morgue are especially active. Spirits include Lavinia (seen in her wedding dress), a young boy who throws pebbles and a ghostly jailer who charges at visitors before vanishing.