Abandoned Jails. Graveyards. And rituals. What could go wrong on this glorious Halloween?

Today, we at Operation Adventure, wanted to celebrate Halloween by discussing the origins and dig into our roots of traveling to beautiful locations to tell incredible stories. Therefor this week’s episode of Halloween Documented presented by Operation Adventure takes us on a journey up the coast of South Carolina first stopping at the Old Charleston Jail located in Charleston, SC. Then a stop at Alice Flagg’s grave before ending the trip in Garden City, South Carolina a two-hour drive north.

If you aren’t from South Carolina and are wondering who Alice Flagg is and what is the importance of The Old Charleston Jail then fear not, we are here to share it with you.

Fun Facts about the Roots of Halloween

Originating from the ancient Celtic festival Samhain, Halloween dates back to the early 18th century. Many people believe that Samhain grew out of darkness and evil; however, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Originally it was a festival that brought the end of summer and the beginning of harvest. However, those who took part in this celebration believed that the vail between this world and the next was thin so they would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghost and evil spirits.

They would also carve jack-o-lanterns to ward off the evil spirits. Yet before the Irish came to America, they actually carved faces into the potatoes and turnups instead of using pumpkins.

Today there are countless movie and television programs with Halloween in the title. But did you know that wasn’t a common thing until 1978 when a group of filmmakers made a small independent film called Halloween. In-fact Halloween was the first production to include Halloween in its title.

Celebrating Halloween, Michael, traveled to both the Old Charleston Jail and a cemetery located on Pawley’s Island.

The Old Charleston Jail – Located on Magazine Street in Charleston, SC sits the Old Charleston Jail. Built in 1802 and operated until 1939 this old abandoned jail is said to be haunted by many malevolent spirits. One that has even earned the reputation as being the first female serial killer. Her name is Lavinia Fisher. As legend has it Fisher would lure unassuming guest with wealth to her home known as the Six Mile Wayfarer; drugging them before eventually murdering them.

All Saints Church Cemetery Alice Flagg Grave In Pawleys Island SC – Born to an upper-class family, Alice Flagg, grew up along the South Carolina coast in the early 19th century. When Alice was around the age of 15 or 16, she fell in love with a man her brother didn’t approve of due to his social class. Because he disapproved, he sent her to boarding school in Charleston where she contracted malaria and slipped into a comatose state. Her brother brought her home soon discovering that Alice had been keeping a secret. She was engaged. Hiding her engagement ring on a ribbon that she wore underneath her clothes. Enraged Dr. Flagg tore off the ring and then proceeded to throw it in the marsh so that it’d never be found again. It is said that Alice still haunts these grounds and the grounds of The Hermitage the home she grew up in looking for her ring.