Quote from Angela on May 18, 2021, 3:49 pm

Located on Dock Street, downtown Charleston, you will find one of the oldest buildings in America. The Dock Street Theatre which was also Charlestons first ever theatre dating back to the early 1700s.

It is believed that this building is haunted today by the ghost of Nettie Dickerson, also known as The Lady in Red.

In 1809 by Mr and Mrs Calder ran the venue as the Planters Hotel, keeping the theatre section in operation to the rear of the building as it was popular and brought in many theatrical parties and groups.

One evening in 1838, immediately after a stage performance, a man named John Wilkes Booth became enraged and, for reasons unknown, he attacked and killed the hotel manager.

However, there have been further sightings reported by many visitors to the theatre who claim to have witnessed ghostly apparitions peering from the rafters. Staff believe these entities to be the spirits of Junius Booth who often performed here. Also the ghost of Nettie Dickerson, a well known prostitute back in that era who would frequent the bar area wearing an eyecatching red dress.

There was a time when Planters Hotel, which ran in conjunction with the theatre, was candidly known as a place where extramarital relations took place. However, the story of Nettie is a tragic one. It is said that Nettie grew tired of her lifestyle and constantly searched for a better life.

One night she stood at an upper floor balcony and shouted 'you can't save me'. Moments later she was struck by a bolt of lightening and died right there.

Netties apparition has been spotted at the bar area wearing a striking red dress. Her silhouette hauntingly gliding about the rooms today.

Is Nettie still searching for love in all the wrong places from another realm?

The Charleston Stage at the wonderful historic Dock Street Theatre plans to re open in September and ensures some fantastic performances.

Why not pre book a show at the Dock Street Theatre and let us know if you catch a glimpse of Nettie.