Charleston Site Reveals Potential Grave Shafts
A new survey of a planned College of Charleston dormitory site identified 24 anomalies as potential grave shafts.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in College Life
Live Poll
Should developers be allowed to build housing on sites known to be historic burial grounds?
A 59-page report has identified 24 anomalies at 106 Coming Street in Charleston, which experts interpret as potential grave shafts. The site, formerly used as an 18th-century burial ground, is currently slated for the construction of a new student dormitory.
Why it matters
The findings complicate development plans for a 1,000-student dormitory at a site once functioning as a historic cemetery. Restricting access to the full report remains a college priority to prevent potential interference from treasure hunters.
The geological survey identified 24 potential burial shafts at 106 Coming Street. This report follows the demolition of a former YWCA building at the site intended for a 1,000-student dormitory.
The players
College of Charleston
This public university is the institution responsible for the proposed development of the student dormitory at 106 Coming Street.
Community Engagement Council
This local group is tasked with advising on the college's projects and has access to restricted reports regarding the site.
The details
A geology professor surveyed the property using a ground-penetrating radar scanner towed by a truck. While the college restricts report access, members of the Community Engagement Council may view the unredacted documents in the president's office after signing a nondisclosure agreement.
Timeline
The cemetery was filled completely by 1807.
A second round of radar scans occurred in February 2026.
The college plans to remove asphalt from the property after October 25, 2026.
The Community Engagement Council is scheduled to meet on November 14, 2026.
Culture Shift
The discovery at 106 Coming Street mirrors regulatory challenges faced under the National Historic Preservation Act when university construction projects encounter previously undocumented burial grounds. This situation underscores the modern tension between expanding academic infrastructure and the preservation of historic urban landscapes.
Residents and students should expect potential delays or revisions to the dormitory project as the college conducts a third round of radar scans. These findings may influence the long-term usage of the property and the timeline for construction activities in the downtown area.
The takeaway
The presence of potential graves forces a re-evaluation of how historical land is utilized by growing urban institutions. Ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive sites remains a critical challenge for local academic development.
What happens next
The Community Engagement Council is scheduled to meet on November 14, 2026, to discuss the ongoing findings related to the development site.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational issues in the College Life section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Charleston City Paper.
Live Poll
Should developers be allowed to build housing on sites known to be historic burial grounds?
