11 Incredible Images from the Aftermath of the Tornado that Swept through Charleston, South Carolina in 1938

February 20, 2024 Charleston Daily 0 Lowcountry,

On September 29, 1938, five tornadoes swept through the South Carolina Lowcountry, two of which ravaged parts of downtown Charleston, causing several fatalities and injuries and two million dollars in damages. The tornadoes damaged or destroyed almost everything in its path, particularly on Market Street, Broad Street near Church Street, and State Street. As with other significant natural disasters that Charleston has experienced, scenes of the aftermath were documented by photographs.

This collection consists of a total of thirty-seven silver gelatin photographs. Thirty were taken by an eyewitness, Ernest Losse, and processed by Jacobs Photo Service in Charleston. Each photograph measures 4.25″ x 2.25″ and is printed on 5″ x 3.25″ deckle-edged paper.

The photographer of the seven additional photographs is unknown; however, “W.M. Muckenfuss” is stamped on the backs of each photograph. They measure 3.5″ x 5.75″.

Source: College of Charleston Archive Library

St. Michael’s Church After the 1938 Tornado

Looking South on Church Street After the 1938 Tornadoes

Overturned Car at 57 Broad Street After the 1938 Tornadoes

Demolished Warehouse on Concord Street After the 1938 Tornado

I.M. Pearlstine Building After the 1938 Tornado

Looking West on Broad Street After the 1938 Tornadoes

Fishburne Street House After the 1938 Tornado

Wreckage of Calvary Baptist Church After the 1938 Tornado

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